How do I permanently change /etc/motd on a Ubuntu install?

Posted July 21, 2013

I’ve tried setting up crontab to run a python script that replaces the contents of /etc/motd. Although the contents of the file changes, it appears to have no effect when I log back in and the contents is reset.

I’ve looked into update-motd, but this doesn’t seem to be used. Is there a way to permanently change the contents of the file?

Rob Lowcock

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Rob Lowcock • July 21, 2013

Perfect! Thanks!

Kamal Nasser • July 21, 2013

You should edit /etc/motd.tail instead. Let me know if that works :]