The uss command suite helps you create and delete AFS user accounts quickly and easily. You can create a single account with the uss add command, delete a single account with the uss delete command, or create and delete multiple accounts with the uss bulk command.

A single uss add or uss bulk command can create a complete AFS user account because the uss command interpreter refers to a template file in which you predefine the configuration of many account components. The uss delete command deletes most of the components of a user account, but does not use a template file.

The uss suite also easily incorporates shell scripts or other programs that you write to perform parts of account creation and deletion unique to your site. To invoke a script or program automatically as a uss command runs, use the appropriate instructions in the template file or bulk input file. Various sections of this chapter discuss possible uses for scripts.

Using the uss commands to create and delete accounts is the recommended method because it automates and correctly orders most of the necessary steps. The alternative is to issue a series of separate commands to the various AFS servers, which requires more careful record keeping. For instructions, see Administering User Accounts.