Because of a recent increase in computers with compromised security, ResNet is now providing instructions on setting passwords for accounts on personal computers. We strongly recommend all Windows users set passwords for all accounts on their machines.

• Windows XP users: Administrator accounts, all other accounts.

Unity Account Passwords:

The first time you log in to your Unity account, you should change your password. If you don't change your password and keep it secret, someone else could gain access to your account and erase your work, use all your print quota, or send mail to thousands of people with your name and e-mail address attached to it. (Odds are anyone who breaks into your account isn't there to do your work for you!) It is your responsibility to keep your password a secret. Change your password at least once a semester, or any time someone may have seen you typing it. NEVER write your password down.

Your password should use six to eight characters and should be something you can easily remember because, again, you should NEVER write your password anywhere, nor should you ever tell anyone what it is. It is a policy violation to let anyone else use your account. Your password should not be obvious; don't use anything that people might associate with you, such as your name, friend's name, pet's name, your initials, or your name backwards. Also do NOT use birthdays, anniversaries or your login ID. Remember passwords should be something that nobody should be able to associate with you. Because passwords are case-sensitive, it's a good idea to use numbers, special characters and a mixture of upper and lowercase letters somewhere in the password to make it more difficult to guess. Combining two unrelated words or parts of words, such as "mIlkdeSk", is also a good idea.

Please note that it may take up to one hour for the new password to take effect. If you log in and your new password does not work, try the old one. (Being logged in under the old password will not keep the new one from becoming active.) If you are still having trouble with your password, come to Room 106 of the Hillsborough Building and one of the Computing Consultants will reset your password to your Campus ID number.

Visit the Password Change page often!