How do I change my password?

There's a UNIX command for that. Login to your account, open up a terminal window, type passwd, and hit Return. You will then be prompted for you OLD password first, then twice for your new password.

I forgot my password.

Email your friendly computer staff at staff@math.wisc.edu to get a new one.

The system no longer accepts my password!

The Caps Lock is probably on. Turn it off. Passwords are case sensitive.

What makes a good password?

The best passwords rhyme with orange. No, but seriously folks, passwords must be 6-8 characters long and contain a mix of letters and numbers or punctuation. Definitely DO NOT choose a password of the following type:

• Words of the English language or any language for that matter.
• Names of people or places.
• Repetitive passwords like “abcdabcd”.

Such passwords will be guessed in a few minutes by password guessing programs, even when combined with other characters.