Why might someone choose to use the command 'userdel -r bsmith' over 'userdel bsmith'?

The command 'userdel -r bsmith' is specifically designed to remove a user account along with the user's home directory and mail spool, ensuring that all personal files associated with that account are deleted. This is particularly important for maintaining system hygiene and security, as leftover files from deleted accounts could pose risks or unnecessary clutter.

In contrast, the command 'userdel bsmith' would only remove the user account itself, leaving all files in the user's home directory intact. This could lead to potential issues, such as security vulnerabilities or storage inefficiencies, if those files are not managed appropriately after account deletion. Therefore, choosing 'userdel -r bsmith' ensures a more thorough cleanup when removing a user and is the reason why it is the preferred command in situations where complete user data removal is desired.