Synopsis:
Passwords: Logging into OIT managed Unix/Linux servers

Solution:
Logging into the various computer systems that are managed centrally by OIT requires that you enter a valid University-assigned computer account (called a netID) and its associated password. However, internally, your netID can actually be associated with as many as five passwords, each held on a different system and each serving a distinct set of systems and applications. When logging into an application, it is not unusual for the application to prompt you for a specific password, i.e., "e-mail password" (also known as your "LDAP password"), or your "Windows password," etc.

OIT has simplified the process of managing multiple passwords through an online tool called the Password Management Facility. This program allows each member of the University community to either synchronize all of his or her passwords to a common value or give each password a distinct value. With password synchronization, remembering which password is the "e-mail password" has become less of an issue and is strongly encouraged.

OIT reduced the number of password systems used by deactivating NIS passwords on the Unix/Linux servers. NIS passwords were formally used when logging into OIT's centrally-managed Unix and Linux systems, known as the "arizonas" and the "hats" servers. This move simplified password management, as well as eliminated a password system that historically has been the most vulnerable to hackers.

When logging into an OIT managed Unix/Linux server, you will also need to use an SSH client. For instructions, please see Solution 4104. If the enabling of LDAP passwords on arizona.princeton.edu now causes you to receive authentication error messages, please see Solution 9597.

If you have any questions or problems, please contact the OIT Help Desk at extension 8-HELP.