Your user ID is the "public" part of your Access Account. This is the part you should share with others so that they know where to send you electronic mail. Your user ID is usually your initials followed by a 1- to 3-digit number such as xyz101. The letters are lowercase.

Your password, on the other hand, should be kept private. Your password is the "key" that lets you open electronic doors. Guard your password just as you guard your bank card PIN. Don't write it down or make it easy for someone to "crack." Don't share your password with others, as they would then have the opportunity to read your email, see your grades, obtain your transcript, and forge email and news postings from you.

You should change your password as soon as you get your account.

Here are some guidelines that should help you when changing your password. You should also read the ITS password policy.

• Use at least eight new letters and at least one number.
• Make sure the "caps lock" is not on.
• Note that your password will not show as you type, so be careful not to make mistakes.
• The use of special characters in your Penn State Access Account password is acceptable however there is the possibility that these special characters will not work on all software applications.
• Change it to something you can remember but that others won't be able to figure out. For example, don't set your password to your name, your license plate, your friend's name, your pet's name, your favorite drink, or anything else that someone else might easily guess.
• Change it as often as you wish, but at least once every six months.
• Note that Access Account passwords are "case-sensitive." This means that uppercase and lowercase letters are recognized as different characters.

Note that the Change password menu items in the Macintosh and PC Eudora programs do not work at Penn State. The only way to change your password is by using the methods described above.

If you forget your password, present your Penn State photo ID at the ITS consulting locations, the ITS Computer Accounts Office or to other computer support staff. Staff will help you request a password reset.

Additional information can also be found in Your Guide to Information Technology @ Penn State.