IBM 441, 387, 393 Using passwords, Setup Utility program password type, Password considerations

Using passwords

By using the Setup Utility program, you can set a password to prevent unauthorized access to your server.

You do not have to set a password to use your server. However, using a password improves computing security. If you decide to set a password, read the following topics.

Setup Utility program password type

The following types of passwords are available in the Setup Utility program:

•Administrator password

Setting an administrator password deters unauthorized users from changing configuration settings. If you are responsible for maintaining the configuration settings of several computers, you might want to set an administrator password. When an administrator password is set, you are prompted to type a valid password each time you try to access the Setup Utility program. The Setup Utility program cannot

be accessed until a valid password is typed in.

•User password (only available when you have set an administrator password)

When a user password is set, the server cannot be used until a valid password is typed in.

Note: If both the administrator password and user password are set, you can type either password. However, you must use your administrator password to change any configuration settings.

Password considerations

For security reasons, it is recommended to use a strong password that cannot be easily compromised.

Notes:

1.The Setup Utility program passwords are not case sensitive.

2.The server supports Setup Utility program passwords that consist of up to 20 characters.

To set a strong password, use the following guidelines:

•Have at least eight characters in length

•Contain at least one alphabetic character and one numeric character

•Not be your name or your user name

•Not be a common word or a common name

•Be significantly different from your previous passwords

Besides the alphabetic characters (a-z) and numeric characters (0-9), the server also supports characters typed using special keys on the keyboard for a password. Refer to the help message on the screen when setting a password to determine the valid special characters.

Setting, changing, or deleting a password

This topic provides instructions on how to set, change, or delete a password in the Setup Utility program.

To set, change, or delete a password in the Setup Utility program, do the following:

1.Start the Setup Utility program. See “Starting the Setup Utility program” on page 55.

2.On the Security menu, select Set Administrator Password to set an administrator password or select Set User Password to set a user password.

Note: The Set User Password option is only available when you have already set an administrator password.

Chapter 5. Configuring the server 65