Step 2: Secure your Account with a Strong Password

To prevent someone from gaining access to your computer, physically or through the network, each user account MUST have a strong password.

Note: Do not use the admin account to assign passwords. Assign a strong password following these steps:

1. Login to the user account that needs a strong password.
2. From the Apple menu, select System Preferences.
3. In the System Preferences window, click Accounts.
4. Select the account you are currently logged into, select the Password tab and click Change Password.
   
   Note: Screen shots shows Mac OS X 10.5.
   
5. In the window that appears, enter your old password in the Old Password field.
6. In the New Password field enter a new password. To help you choose a strong password, follow the guidelines in the Selecting a Secure Password section of the Managing Your Andrew Account and Password document.
   
   
7. Click the key icon to open the Password Assistant. The Password Assistant Quality bar will change colors depending on how strong your password is and offer Tips on making your password stronger. Be sure to choose a password that turns the Quality bar mostly green as that is considered a strong password.
   
8. Retype your new password in the Verify field and click Change Password.
9. Repeat steps 1-7 for each user account.

Step 3: Enable Screen Saver Password