Turn off "Bad password" forcing in passwd
 

Assuming I have root access, how do I turn off the strict password requirements of passwd? I know it's an optional setting somewhere. When it forces you to pick a different password by saying "Bad password - based on a dictionary word" etc etc..

I want to turn it off because it's forcing me to make a password that's insecure. (because I'd have to write the pw down.)

I'm using CentOS (basically the same as RHEL), if it matters.

If you are root, the passwd command still accepts the password; the message is just a warning.

The warning is important - it tells you that your passwd can be easily obtained by password guessing software. To make a secure password, use two non-related words separated by a special character and at least a 3 digit number. For example:

large$cardboard4390

These are surprisingly easy to remember.