How do I change the password types...
 

This is concerning the normal login password at command line by changing via the 'passwd' command. Is there a way to change the type of passwords used? For example, the majority of linux distros use MD5. In Slackware or Centos, where would I change the security setting to go from MD5 to DES or some other encryption?

1. you confuse encryption algorithms with signature
2. to configure your authentication procedures use Pluggable Authentication Module (PAM), there's too much to type, so google it
3. take a look on UNIX Academy unixacademy.com there was a paper with good explanation of it

Slackware does not have PAM. Any other methods?

Change the ENCRYPT_METHOD variable in the /etc/login.defs file. The change will only affect new passwords, but you can force a user to set a new password (so that his/her /etc/shadow file entry is re-created using the new hash algorithm) by expiring it, like (example):This way, the user will be required to set a new password next time he/she logs in.

Awesome win32sux. Thanks soo much. Found the section in the /etc/login.defs

ENCRYPT_METHOD (string)
This defines the system default encryption algorithm for encrypting passwords (if no algorithm are specified on the command line).

It can take one of these values:

DES (default)
MD5
SHA256
SHA512

Note: this parameter overrides the MD5_CRYPT_ENAB variable.
Note: if you use PAM, it is recommended to set this variable consistently with the PAM modules configuration.

You're welcome. :)

BTW, remember to inspect your /etc/shadow file to confirm the change has taken effect. For example, if you switched to SHA512, the hash type indicator (located at the beginning of the password field) should read $6$ on newly created accounts (or changed passwords).