Slackware HowTo

Create a service user without login on Slackware

Isolate application processes with dedicated accounts without interactive shells or unnecessary privileges.

1. Goal

Isolate application processes with dedicated accounts without interactive shells or unnecessary privileges.

2. Files and components involved

/etc/passwd
/etc/group
/sbin/nologin
/srv/app

3. Operational flow

groupadd appsvc
useradd -r -g appsvc -d /srv/app -s /sbin/nologin appsvc
mkdir -p /srv/app
chown -R appsvc:appsvc /srv/app

4. Operational verification

getent passwd appsvc
ls -ld /srv/app
ps -o user,group,cmd -u appsvc

5. Practical notes

Document every persistent change and keep a copy of the original files, especially when working on remote servers.

Operational procedures matter as much as commands: if they are not repeatable and documented, you will waste time on the next intervention.

Quick checklist

[ ] Backup or copy of the existing configuration completed
[ ] Files and commands updated as expected
[ ] Local test completed successfully
[ ] Logs or final output verified
[ ] Rollback procedure documented

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