What is the purpose of the /etc/skel directory in Linux?

The /etc/skel directory in Linux is specifically designed to provide skeleton files for new user accounts. When a new user is created, the contents of the /etc/skel directory are copied into the new user’s home directory. This typically includes default configuration files and directories such as .bashrc, .profile, or .bash_profile, which help set up the user's environment upon first login. This practice ensures that each new user account has a consistent starting point, making it easier for users to get up and running with their system-specific settings and configurations right away.

Other options do not accurately reflect the function of the /etc/skel directory. For instance, while user home directories are indeed created for new users, those directories are specific to each user and not the role of /etc/skel. The storage of kernel files is managed elsewhere and has no relationship to user account creation. System-wide configurations are typically found in directories like /etc but not under /etc/skel, which is solely focused on user skeletons.