May 2004
Usernames and passwords
As these terms are used so
much, this month I am offering a simple guide to what they are and why you
need them.
Once you start using your
computer, you will find you are often asked to register. This means
supplying two names/codes which are combined to identify you and
allow you access to secure parts of the system. This can include a bank
account, e-mail account, shopping account or simply your own area on a
networked computer.
The most important thing is
that you MUST remember them and type them accurately, or you will be denied
access.
Having registered once, every
time you revisit the site or want to start a computer session, you must
enter both names. This is known as logging-in.
Username:
This is also known as the
account name or ID and is usually a form of your own first name and surname,
perhaps with the addition of numbers, that will often be used as the first
part of an e-mail address e.g. bilbo_baggins, bilbo123b or
b.baggins256.
When registering for the first
time, have a few alternative names ready when asked to enter your preferred
username. This is because, if you have a common name, someone may already
have claimed the straight forward username and you will be offered an
unwieldy alternative.
Type in upper or lower case
letters, it doesn’t matter, but don’t forget the underscore or full
stop. You usually cannot leave spaces between words, and the punctuation
symbols allowed will vary depending on the system.
You will normally use the same
username all the time, and it will be well known to others.
Password:
This is NEVER divulged, and
should be changed regularly. It should be reasonably long e.g. 6 or more
characters, and usually a mix of letters, numbers and punctuation
symbols. It is case sensitive i.e. if it starts with capital D, it
must do so each time it is typed.
When you type the password,
you will only see *****. This will stop anyone sitting or standing nearby
seeing what you are typing.
Very often, you will be asked
to supply the answer to a basic question e.g. your maiden name, favourite
food, pet etc. when you first register. This is so that, if you forget your
password, the answer you give will identify you as the true owner of the
username and you may be able to continue into the system.
The major problem with
passwords is the need to keep changing them. This is because unscrupulous
people spend a great deal of time trying to break into secure areas and
passwords can easily become compromised.
Try to use words that others
working with you will find hard to guess, and DO keep a note of the changes
each time – although don’t leave these anywhere near the computer or where
people can find them.
Have you had problems with
usernames or passwords – do let me know and I will try to answer any queries
in a future column.
