Which statements about the directory /etc/skel are correct?

The /etc/skel directory is a skeleton directory that contains the default files and directories that are automatically copied to the home directory of a new user when the account is created by the useradd command12. The purpose of this directory is to provide a consistent and uniform environment for all new users and to save the system administrator’s time and effort in configuring the user settings12. The /etc/skel directory can be customized by adding or removing files and directories as needed, depending on the desired default settings for the new users12.

The other options are incorrect because:

A. The personal user settings of root are stored in this directory. This is not true, as the personal user settings of root are stored in the /root directory, which is the home directory of the root user3. The /etc/skel directory does not affect the root user’s settings, but only the settings of the new users created by the useradd command12.

B. The files from the directory are copied to the home directory of the new user when starting the system. This is not true, as the files from the directory are copied to the home directory of the new user when the account is created, not when starting the system12. The copying process only happens once, when the useradd command is executed, and not every time the system is started12.

E. The directory contains the global settings for the Linux system. This is not true, as the directory contains the default settings for the new users, not the global settings for theLinux system12. The global settings for the Linux system are usually stored in other directories under /etc, such as /etc/default, /etc/sysconfig, /etc/init.d, etc4.

References:

Understanding the /etc/skel directory in Linux – The Geek Diary

/etc/skel directory in Linux - techPiezo

Linux File System Hierarchy - /root directory - LinuxConfig.org

Linux configuration: Understanding *.d directories in /etc | Enable Sysadmin