How do you manage user accounts on multiple systems?

1 Centralized authentication

One of the simplest ways to manage user accounts on multiple systems is to use a centralized authentication system, such as LDAP, Active Directory, or Kerberos. These systems allow you to store and manage user information in a single repository, and then use it to authenticate users on different systems and services. This way, you can avoid creating and maintaining duplicate or inconsistent user accounts on each system, and also enforce consistent policies and permissions across the network. To use a centralized authentication system, you need to configure each system to join the authentication domain and use the appropriate client software.

2 Configuration management

Another way to manage user accounts on multiple systems is to use a configuration management tool, such as Ansible, Puppet, or Chef. These tools allow you to define and automate the desired state of your systems, including user accounts, using code or scripts. You can then apply these configurations to multiple systems using a central server or agentless connections. This way, you can ensure that your user accounts are consistent and compliant with your standards and requirements, and also make changes or updates easily and quickly. To use a configuration management tool, you need to install and configure the tool on your systems, and write and test your configuration code or scripts.

3 User management tools

A third way to manage user accounts on multiple systems is to use a user management tool, such as Webmin, Cockpit, or Usermin. These tools provide a graphical or web-based interface for creating, modifying, and deleting user accounts on different systems. You can also use these tools to perform other tasks, such as setting quotas, changing passwords, or managing groups. These tools are useful for simplifying and streamlining user management tasks, especially for less experienced or non-technical users. To use a user management tool, you need to install and run the tool on your systems, and access it through a browser or a client application.

4 SSH and scripts

A fourth way to manage user accounts on multiple systems is to use SSH and scripts. SSH is a secure protocol that allows you to remotely access and execute commands on other systems. Scripts are files that contain a series of commands that can be run automatically or with a single command. You can use SSH and scripts to create, modify, or delete user accounts on multiple systems by writing and running commands or scripts that perform the desired actions. This way, you can have more control and flexibility over your user management tasks, and also customize them according to your needs. To use SSH and scripts, you need to enable and configure SSH on your systems, and write and test your commands or scripts.

5 Hybrid solutions

A fifth way to manage user accounts on multiple systems is to use a hybrid solution, which combines two or more of the methods mentioned above. For example, you can use a centralized authentication system for the main user information, and then use a configuration management tool or a user management tool to fine-tune the user accounts on each system. Or, you can use a user management tool for the basic user management tasks, and then use SSH and scripts for the more advanced or specific tasks. A hybrid solution can help you leverage the benefits and overcome the limitations of each method, and also adapt to your changing or complex user management needs. To use a hybrid solution, you need to select and integrate the methods that suit your situation and goals.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?