chfn

Additional Notes

chfn changes user account information stored in the GECOS field, such as full name, office, and phone details. This information may be shown by tools like finger or account listings.

It does not change usernames, passwords, home directories, or shells.

Syntax

chfn [options] [user]

Parameters

• user: Account to modify. If omitted, the current user is usually assumed.
• options: Fields such as full name, office, and phone numbers.

Common Options

• -f NAME: Set full name.
• -r ROOM: Set room number.
• -w PHONE: Set work phone.
• -h PHONE: Set home phone.
• -o OTHER: Set other information when supported.

Examples

chfn

Interactively change your own account information.

sudo chfn -f "Rani Example" rani

Set a user's full name.

getent passwd rani

View the passwd database entry containing GECOS data.

Practical Notes

• Policies may restrict which fields normal users can change.
• Many modern systems rarely use finger information.
• Use usermod for login name, home directory, groups, or shell changes.