[net.unix-wizards] passwd and /etc/passwd

chongo@nsc.uucp (Curt Noll) (08/30/83)

if `*` is the first character in the gcos field of /etc/passwd, running
passwd will remove it in 4.1.  why?

chongo /\../\

alt@aids-unix@sri-unix.UUCP (08/31/83)

From:  Howard Alt <alt@aids-unix>


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      From: menlo70!nsc!chongo@ucb-vax
      Subject: passwd and /etc/passwd
      Article-I.D.: nsc.366

      if `*` is the first character in the gcos field of /etc/passwd, running
      passwd will remove it in 4.1.  why?

      chongo /\../\


Because finger prints a * in front of someones name if they have write
permission off on thier tty.

	Howard