WHAT IS PASSWORD ?

What is a password? Give examples:

PASSWORD

A password is a secret word, a number or a combination of the two that must be type on the keyboard to set access to the computer system. In a computer a password is applied to limit the use of a computer system or software. Only those persons who know the password can use the system. These are called the persons authorized to use the system. A password protected system or software asks for the password before its execution. If the person is authorized to use the system and knows the password, he types it. The system of software confirms the password and its executions starts if correct password is entered. Otherwise the system or software dose not execute. The authorized persons can change passwords. The authorized persons must keep their password secret. They should not forget their passwords. While adopting a password for a system or software the following points must be in mind:

             

• The password should not be a commonly used word.

• The password must be a combination of alphabetic letters and numeric digits.

• The password should be written down in a notebook because if it is forgotten the system cannot be run.

• Password should be changed at least once a month.

Examples of Password Protection:

(1)         Different computers have different set-up of configurations i.e. the arrangement of their parts of their parts. These configurations are given in the set-up of the computers. The computer set-up is usually accessed pressing Del key after starting the computer. The user of the computer sets the configurations according to his needs and protect them with a password. Only the person who make changes in it. Thus the computer set-up is protected from being change by unauthorized persons. The authorized persons can however also change the password.

(2)  When one gets the memberships of an Internet Service Provider (ISP), he or she Is given a user name and a password. The user name is usually the name of the person and the password is the secret code that he uses to access the ISP. While the user name of the person remains the same the password can be changed. All ISPs give a procedure for changing it.