With Linux/Unix, it is possible to set a Message of the Day (MOTD) that will displayed upon a successful login to the system. While the name is a bit misleading, in the sense that the message doesn’t automatically change each day. Rather, it is intended for you to change it when you feel there is something you need to inform those who are logging in about (or just for fun).

While setting a login message probably isn’t useful if you’re the only one logging into your server, it can be useful if you have multiple people that login. Feel free to set one just for fun though. :)

Setting a login message is simple. Login to your server via SSH and open the file /etc/motd. You can then enter anything you like into that file (including line breaks). Save and close that file once you’re done. Now, everytime you login, you’ll see that message. Changing the message is as simple as change the contents of the file to reflect what you want the login message to be.