Dynamically Generated MOTD for Linux Servers

Compatibility: Debian based Distributions

Clone the github repository

git clone https://github.com/ReidWeb/linuxmotd.git

Run the 'installation' script

cd linuxmotd
sudo ./install.sh

I'd recommend installing to /etc/dynmotd/, if you don't input anything it will default to /etc/dynmotd/. If you decided to use another directory, remember to change the directories below

In the input prompt, enter the directory to which you want to install the scripts - Defaults to /etc/dynmotd/

Now add some ASCII art by editing the file 'dynmotdart' in the installation directory, ASCII art can be generated at: http://ruletheweb.co.uk/figlet/

Now add a cron job to auto-run the 'update-checker' script

sudo crontab -e

Append the following to the bottom of the file

0 * * * * /etc/dynmotd/update-checker.sh

Remove the contents of /etc/motd

sudo nano /etc/motd

Edit the /etc/ssh/sshd_config

sudo nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config  

Replace

PrintLastLog yes
#and
PrintMotd yes

with

PrintLastLog no
#and
PrintMotd no

Then restart the ssh service

sudo /etc/init.d/ssh restart

Modify /etc/pam.d/login

sudo nano /etc/pam.d/login

Comment out the line below

#session    optional   pam_motd.so

Modify /etc/profile

sudo nano /etc/profile

Append the following line to the bottom of the file:

/etc/dynmotd/dynmotd.sh