Using ARD to change user accounts

Question

Hi,
I would like to find out whether are there any way if i could use the unix command or script files to change the username and password? Would appreciate if you anyone could assist me? Are there any recommended textbook for apple scripting or apple remote desktop software?
Thank you!
Cheers,
Steph

Answer 1

Hi,
I have created a script to change other functions of remote macs. So this version is an adaptation of my script to your needs. Note that I am changing the admin password. For other user just change the admin name and password accordingly.
Let me know if you need further assistance.
Start of Applescript------
property my_ip : ""
property my_password : "the admin password"
property new_password : "the new admin password"
tell application "Remote Desktop"
-- this is a fixed group of macs that should be added or deleted as needed in ARD
set the_list to computers in computer list "to change"
repeat with i from 1 to number of items in the_list
set this_item to item i of the_list
-- if mac offline skip it
if the status message of this_item is "Available" then
set my_ip to Internet address of this_item
-- log as admin into remote mac
set my_log to "ssh admin@" & my_ip
tell application "Terminal"
activate
-- log as admin
do script my_log
-- there is in some cases the security issue.
-- RSA key fingerprint is ... Are you sure you want to continue connecting (yes/no)?
delay 3
do script "yes" in window 1
delay 3
-- enter the password
do script my_password in window 1
-- do whatever in the remote mac, in this case change admin password
do script "passwd" in window 1
-- Ternimal asks fro existing password
do script my_password in window 1
delay 2
-- Enter new password twice
do script new_password in window 1
delay 2
do script new_password in window 1
delay 5
-- close connection to remote mac
do script "exit" in window 1
end tell
end if
end repeat
end tell
----------end -------
Regards
Mauricio