See this link for more information:
http://www.linuxdoc.org/HOWTO/Shadow-Password-HOWTO.html

Quick response:
/etc/shadow protects users passwords.

Longer response:
/etc/passwd is usually readable by most everyone. /etc/shadow is not
world-readable, and it contains the 'encrypted' passwords. If someone has
your passwords, even in encrypted form, they will be able to figure out
passwords for accounts.

Hope this helps!
Tony Wasson

-----Original Message-----
From: plug-discuss-admin@lists.plug.phoenix.az.us
[mailto:plug-discuss-admin@lists.plug.phoenix.az.us]On Behalf Of JM
Sent: Thursday, February 21, 2002 3:11 PM
To: plug-discuss@lists.plug.phoenix.az.us
Subject: "/etc/shadow-" What is the purpose of this file?


What is the purpose for the file /etc/shadow-
or for the files
/etc/passwd-
/etc/gshadow-
/etc/group-

These files are nearly identical to their
cognates in content and file attributes.
Is there a simple explanation for maintaining
these files along with the standard file:

/etc/shadow, /etc/passwd, /etc/gshadow, /etc/group ?

Is the a common convention for other Unix-like systems?

My reason for asking is that this is a minor inconvenience
when hiding this /etc/shadow- file and what programs may
be using this file.

Jerry M.
a RedHat user

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