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To display custom information to users after they log into an Ubuntu system via the console or SSH, you can use several standard approaches. The most common and effective methods are:
  • Using /etc/motd (Message of the Day)
  • Customizing shell profile files (.bashrc, .profile)
  • Creating system-wide scripts in /etc/profile.d/
This document explains each method in detail.

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Method 1: Using /etc/motd (Message of the Day)

The /etc/motd file displays a message to users after successful login.

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Step 1: Edit the /etc/motd File

sudo nano /etc/motd

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Step 2: Add Custom Information

********************************************************************
* Welcome to the server!                                           *
*                                                                  *
* System Information:                                              *
* - Hostname: $(hostname)                                          *
* - Date: $(date)                                                  *
* - Uptime: $(uptime -p)                                           *
* - Users: $(who | wc -l) users logged in                          *
********************************************************************
⚠️ Note:
/etc/motd does not evaluate shell commands.
Variables like $(hostname) will appear as plain text unless you use /etc/update-motd.d/ scripts.

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Step 3: Save and Exit

Press Ctrl + X, then Y, and press Enter.

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Method 2: Using Shell Profile Files (.bashrc / .profile)

Shell profile files allow you to run commands automatically when a user logs in.

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Step 1: Edit Profile File

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For a Specific User

nano ~/.bashrc

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For All Users (Global)

sudo nano /etc/bash.bashrc

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Step 2: Add Login Message Script

echo "********************************************************************"
echo "* Welcome to the server!                                           *"
echo "*                                                                  *"
echo "* System Information:                                              *"
echo "* - Hostname: $(hostname)                                          *"
echo "* - Date: $(date)                                                  *"
echo "* - Uptime: $(uptime -p)                                           *"
echo "* - Users: $(who | wc -l) users logged in                          *"
echo "********************************************************************"
✅ Best for:
  • Dynamic output
  • Per-user customization

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Step 3: Save and Exit

Press Ctrl + X, then Y, and press Enter. Scripts placed in /etc/profile.d/ run automatically for all users during login.

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Step 1: Create a Custom Script

sudo nano /etc/profile.d/welcome.sh

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Step 2: Add Script Content

#!/bin/bash

echo "********************************************************************"
echo "* Welcome to the server!                                           *"
echo "*                                                                  *"
echo "* System Information:                                              *"
echo "* - Hostname: $(hostname)                                          *"
echo "* - Date: $(date)                                                  *"
echo "* - Uptime: $(uptime -p)                                           *"
echo "* - Users: $(who | wc -l) users logged in                          *"
echo "********************************************************************"

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Step 3: Make the Script Executable

sudo chmod +x /etc/profile.d/welcome.sh