Slackware HowTo

Customize MOTD and login banners on Slackware

Show useful or legal notices to users logging in via console or SSH.

1. When to use it

Handy when you want to distinguish environments, expose maintenance windows, or display a minimal legal banner.

motd | issue | issue.net | banner | login

2. Base setup

printf 'Slackware admin host\nMaintenance window only\n' > /etc/motd
printf 'Authorized access only\n' > /etc/issue
printf 'Authorized access only\n' > /etc/issue.net

Adjust host names, IPs, interfaces, paths, and versions to the real system before making the change persistent.

3. Quick verification

sed -n '1,5p' /etc/motd
sed -n '1,5p' /etc/issue
sed -n '1,5p' /etc/issue.net

Confirm that the output matches the expected state before considering the intervention complete.

4. Operational notes

Avoid exposing versions, internal IPs, or other attacker-friendly details in the login banner.

Quick checklist

[ ] Steps completed\n[ ] Config updated\n[ ] Tests executed\n[ ] Rollback ready\n[ ] Logs checked

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