Network Password

After setting up a computer network for your home or office use, each user will need to set a password for accessing the network and using the computer for a variety of functions. It is always a good idea to choose a password that a hacker or another user would not easily guess. Avoid numbers, names, or locations that others might readily associate with you. For example, do not use your name or a family member’s moniker. Stay away from birthdays, anniversaries, or street addresses. Some experts suggest avoiding street or pet names, as well. Instead, choose a letter and number combination that no one else knows about, except perhaps a spouse, a child, a parent, or someone else that you trust with your confidential information. Make it short enough so you can remember it, and steer away from exotic spellings that you might be hard-pressed to remember when in a hurry. Print or write your password and put it in a safe place for quick access when needed. Don’t store it somewhere where another employee or family member might stumble upon it and be tempted

to use your password. The network administrator, of course, will want to coordinate each computer user’s logon information, and he or she may need to know your password for safekeeping and entry to the system if you become ill or incapacitated. But nowadays there is little reason to let someone else have your password. And if it does get lost or stolen, most programs will let you change the password easily from your computer. Read the operating guidelines to find out how to do this. Be sure you understand how to make the change, and ask the administrator if you need further clarification. A network password is as important as others you will be using, so take good care of it.