Password

A password is a key one uses to access secure resources like e-mail, files stored on the network, or voice mail. At �鶹��Ƶ, users have different passwords for various systems. Passwords should be changed often and not shared with anyone.

"Treat your password like your toothbrush. Don't let anybody else use it, and get a new one every six months."

-Clifford Stoll

Types

E-mail/Lab access/Home Directory/Google Calendar

The same password allows you to check your e-mail, access your home directory, log into lab machines on campus and log into your �鶹��Ƶ Google_Calendar account. This password is called your �鶹��Ƶ password. This password expires every year, which means every year you will need to change this password.

Computer login password

You use this password to log into your personally owned computer or the computer on your desktop at work. Many users have their login password and �鶹��Ƶ password synchronized, but this does not happen automatically. This password does not currently have an expiration date.

Datatel/WebAdvisor

This password allows students to check their grades, register for classes and check their progress towards graduation. Additionally, it allows faculty and staff to check on advisees and submit grades. This password will not expire.

Voicemail

This password gives users access to their voice mailbox.

Creating strong passwords

Length

The longer the password, the stronger the password. Your �鶹��Ƶ password must be at least 8 characters in length and up to 20 characters long (and doesn't use quotes or backslashes).

Mixed case

Add capital letters, not just at the beginning of your password.

Digits and punctuation

Add numbers or punctuation characters to your password.

Easy to remember

Retrieving or resetting lost passwords can take time and be troublesome, so it is important to make your password something you will remember.

Still having trouble?

It may be helpful to think of a phrase that is easy for you to remember such as "I like chocolate chip cookies." Then, use the first characters of each word in the phrase: "ilccc." Finally, add some numbers, punctuation, and variation in case: "I!lCC88c."

Changing

E-mail/Account

Forgot Your Password

If you have forgotten your �鶹��Ƶ password, please stop by the Technology Helpline and have your password reset.

Change Your Password

You can change your �鶹��Ƶ password by visiting the change password page.

WebAdvisor/Datatel

Forgot Your Password or PIN

If you have forgotten your WebAdvisor password, please visit the site and click I forgot my PIN and need to reset it. Follow the prompts and an e-mail will be sent to your �鶹��Ƶ e-mail account with a temporary password. You will need to select a permanent password when you log in with the temporary one.

Change Your Password or PIN

You can change your WebAdvisor password or PIN by visiting the WebAdvisor site and clicking I know my PIN and want to change it.

Computer login

Macintosh

Many users have their machine login password synchronized with their �鶹��Ƶ password. If you do not currently use your e-mail password to log into your account, the directions below will help you change your computer login password.

To change your computer login password:

1. Select System Preferences from the Apple Menu.
2. Open the Accounts preference.
3. Select your user account on the left side and click change password on the password portion of the window.
4. You will be prompted for your old password and then asked for your new password twice.

Windows

Many users have their computer login password synchronized with their �鶹��Ƶ password. If you do not currently use your e-mail password to log into your account, the directions below will help you change your computer login password.

To change your computer login password

1. click the Ctrl, Alt and Del keys at the same time.
2. Select the Change Password... option.
3. You will be prompted for your old password and then asked for the new password twice.

See also

Change windows user password - more detailed instructions and information.

Voicemail

Follow the prompts on the voicemail page for more information.