MOTD(5) | File Formats Manual | MOTD(5)

# NAME

`motd` — message of the day

# DESCRIPTION

The /etc/motd file is normally displayed by login(1) after a user has logged in but before the shell is run. It is generally used for important system-wide announcements. During system startup, a line containing the kernel version string replaces all lines up to (but not including) the first blank line of this file. Customised messages can be added to this file after that first blank line.

Individual users may suppress the display of this file by creating a file named .hushlogin in their home directories.

# FILES

/etc/motd

# EXAMPLES

    OpenBSD 3.0 (GENERIC) #5: Sat Jan 26 20:13:07 MST 2002

    Make sure you have a .forward file...

    4/17	Machine will be down for backups all day Saturday.

# SEE ALSO

login(1)

May 6, 2009 | Debian