Account name length in various versions of linux/unix?

davidstvz · 08-22-2008, 12:35 PM

I recall being on one of my systems and it apparently does not allow account names longer than 8 characters (2 to 8 is allowed). How standard is this restriction today? Is going over 8 characters likely to cause me any trouble?

trickykid · 08-22-2008, 12:38 PM

Probably depends on the OS and the defaults. I've seen some people having 12 or more characters for their usernames cause they had very long last names when we did the standard first initial + last name. Shouldn't really impose any problems.

davidstvz · 08-22-2008, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trickykid

Probably depends on the OS and the defaults. I've seen some people having 12 or more characters for their usernames cause they had very long last names when we did the standard first initial + last name. Shouldn't really impose any problems.

I hate to do it and regret it later, but I think you're right. It probably won't cause any problems and using more than 8 chars will make my life easier (just a bit).

I guess I was concerned that there might be compatibility issues with odd bits of software here and there, but I doubt it. 8 characters is pretty restrictive and probably even modern versions of archaic software have managed to get around that limit by this time.