Passwords
With passwords, you have a number of options at your disposal. I'm going to explain how to use the built-in ones on your Macintosh to generate you're own, unique password.
There are a couple of things to keep in mind when working with passwords.
1. NEVER, and I mean NEVER use a word only. E.G.: 'secret' or 'password'. Instead use 'secret1!' or 'password2#"
2. Change that password at least once a year.
3. And, don't use the same password for everything.
There are a couple of things to keep in mind when working with passwords.
1. NEVER, and I mean NEVER use a word only. E.G.: 'secret' or 'password'. Instead use 'secret1!' or 'password2#"
2. Change that password at least once a year.
3. And, don't use the same password for everything.
1
Open System Preferences
1. Go to the Apple Menu, or the System Preferences in the Dock and click the System Preferences
2. On the forth row, left side, click on the Accounts icon.
2. On the forth row, left side, click on the Accounts icon.
2
Accounts window
1. Click the padlock icon in the lower left corner to unlock the Preferences panel (if it's locked, of course)
2. Click the Change Password button in the upper right corner of the window.
2. Click the Change Password button in the upper right corner of the window.
3
Change password
1. You'll need to know your original password. If you didn't have one leave it blank
2. Put in a new password.
To help you, there's a built-in password generator. Clicking on the Key icon on the right side will bring up a window with the password generator.
2. Put in a new password.
To help you, there's a built-in password generator. Clicking on the Key icon on the right side will bring up a window with the password generator.
4
Password generator
The Password Assistant is a great tool to help you create unbreakable passwords.
You can change the Type from Memorable to Numbers & Letters, or Numbers, or Random. I usually go with Memorable and keep the length under 12 characters (usually 8-9).
When you do find a password you like, write it down. Keep that paper with you until you can remember the password.
You can change the Type from Memorable to Numbers & Letters, or Numbers, or Random. I usually go with Memorable and keep the length under 12 characters (usually 8-9).
When you do find a password you like, write it down. Keep that paper with you until you can remember the password.
5
Enter the Password
1. If you use the Password Assistant, it'll put the password into the New Password field automatically. (Remember: WRITE IT DOWN)
2. Repeat the password in the Verify field
3. Give yourself a hint of what the password is but DON'T make the hint so obvious anyone could get it.
4. When you're satisfied, click the Change Password button to lock it in.
2. Repeat the password in the Verify field
3. Give yourself a hint of what the password is but DON'T make the hint so obvious anyone could get it.
4. When you're satisfied, click the Change Password button to lock it in.
6
Authentication check
To make sure you're new password is good, click the padlock on the Accounts window when you return to it.
1. Put in the new password
2. Click the OK button.
If you successfully open the padlock, you have a new password installed. Congratulations!
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1. Put in the new password
2. Click the OK button.
If you successfully open the padlock, you have a new password installed. Congratulations!
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