> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://notes.kodekloud.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Manage template user environment
> The article explains how to manage default user environments in Linux using the `/etc/skel` directory for configuration files and welcome messages.
The skeleton directory `/etc/skel` provides the blueprint for every new user account on a Linux system. By placing files here, you ensure they are automatically copied into each new home directory—ideal for default configuration files, welcome notices, or policy reminders.
## Add a Custom Welcome Notice
To display a standard reminder or welcome message for all new users, create a file in `/etc/skel`:
```bash theme={null}
sudo vim /etc/skel/README
```
Insert your message, for example:
```text theme={null}
Please don’t run CPU-intensive processes between 8 AM and 10 PM.
```
Save and exit.
Files placed in `/etc/skel` are automatically replicated to every new user's home directory. Use this to distribute common configurations or reminders.
## Verify Replication with a New User
Create a test user (e.g., `trinity`) to confirm the welcome notice appears:
```bash theme={null}
sudo adduser trinity
```
List all files, including hidden ones:
```bash theme={null}
ls -a /home/trinity
```
Expected output:
```bash theme={null}
. .bash_logout .profile
.. .bashrc README
```
Display the notice:
```bash theme={null}
cat /home/trinity/README
```
## Customize the PATH for an Individual User
If a specific user needs a custom directory like `/opt/bin` in their `PATH`, update their `~/.bashrc`:
```bash theme={null}
sudo vim /home/trinity/.bashrc
```
Find the existing `PATH` line and prepend your directory:
```bash theme={null}
PATH="$HOME/.local/bin:$HOME/bin:/opt/bin:$PATH"
```
Save and close. When the user opens a new shell session, `/opt/bin` will be included:
```bash theme={null}
echo $PATH
```
Example:
```bash theme={null}
/home/trinity/.local/bin:/home/trinity/bin:/opt/bin:/usr/local/bin:/usr/bin:/usr/local/sbin:/usr/sbin
```
Now `specialtool` in `/opt/bin` runs directly:
```bash theme={null}
specialtool
```
## Apply Default PATH Changes for All New Users
To make the custom `PATH` part of every future account, modify the skeleton `.bashrc`:
```bash theme={null}
sudo vim /etc/skel/.bashrc
```
Add your directory:
```bash theme={null}
PATH="$HOME/.local/bin:$HOME/bin:/opt/bin:$PATH"
```
Every user created after this change inherits the updated `PATH` automatically.
Be cautious when editing system-wide skeleton files. Incorrect settings in `/etc/skel` may affect all new user environments.
## Common Files in /etc/skel
| Filename | Purpose |
| ------------- | --------------------------------- |
| .bashrc | Interactive shell configuration |
| .profile | Login shell environment variables |
| .bash\_logout | Commands to run at logout |
| README | Custom welcome or policy messages |
***
## References
* [man skel - Linux manual](https://man7.org/linux/man-pages/man5/skel.5.html)
* [adduser command](https://linux.die.net/man/8/adduser)
* [Bash Reference Manual](https://www.gnu.org/software/bash/manual/bash.html)