This is a RHEL 4.8 and 5.3 environment and no they want to add actual
comments in the file and have blank lines to make it easier to read for
them.
I have not been able to find anything via Google about the effects of the
comments or blank lines other than older versions of NIS may have some
problems.

On Wed, Feb 3, 2010 at 7:07 PM, Lisa Kachold <lisakachold@obnosis.com>wrote:

> What is the distro? Version?
>
> They are probably talking about a "comment" section of the user database.
>
> Not blank lines or comments are possible.  It will read a blank line
> as the last line.
>
> You can add ALT255 ascii characters to names and they won't be
> recognized (for fun). however.
>
> http://www.cyberciti.biz/faq/understanding-etcpasswd-file-format/
>
> On Wed, Feb 3, 2010 at 9:41 AM, Shawn Badger <badger.shawn@gmail.com>
> wrote:
> > I haven't seen this before, but I am wondering if it possible to put
> blank
> > lines and comments in the /etc/passd and group files?
> > I have one person saying you absolutely can't  and another saying that
> you
> > can.
> > Which one is right?
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ---------------------------------------------------
> > PLUG-discuss mailing list - PLUG-discuss@lists.plug.phoenix.az.us
> > To subscribe, unsubscribe, or to change your mail settings:
> > http://lists.PLUG.phoenix.az.us/mailman/listinfo/plug-discuss
> >
>
>
>
> --
> Skype: (623)239-3392
> AT&T: (503)754-4452
> http://obnosis.110mb.com/nuke/index.php
> http://uncyclopedia.wikia.com/wiki/Arizona
> ---------------------------------------------------
> PLUG-discuss mailing list - PLUG-discuss@lists.plug.phoenix.az.us
> To subscribe, unsubscribe, or to change your mail settings:
> http://lists.PLUG.phoenix.az.us/mailman/listinfo/plug-discuss
>