Reseting Password

thedoctor · 02-07-2010, 09:39 AM

In Ubuntu 9.10 is there a way of setting the password to only three characters.

If one goes to system, Preferences, About Me, the password can be reset, but it only lets you set it to eight characters, I would prefer three or less.

Can this be done through terminal.

Thanks

pixellany · 02-07-2010, 09:51 AM

3-character password? really, REALLY, bad idea!!

To set the password in the terminal:
sudo passwd <username>

Disillusionist · 02-07-2010, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thedoctor

I would prefer three or less.

Why would you want to compromise your systems security like that?

Passwords are supposed to be hard to guess!

hardly · 02-07-2010, 06:28 PM

pixellany, I would not have mentioned sudo in this situation.

A user can change their password by issuing the passwd command all by it's self.

OP, Linux is not for people with 3 letter passwords.
You had the option of logging in automatically when you installed. I imagine this is what you are trying to speed up, the login process?

Bottom line, pick a strong password that you will not forget.

smeezekitty · 02-07-2010, 07:50 PM

You really cannot remember an 8 char password?
well just in case, just type passwd and enter your new password.

pixellany · 02-08-2010, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hardly

pixellany, I would not have mentioned sudo in this situation.
A user can change their password by issuing the passwd command all by it's self.

Of course!! However, the general solution for changing any user's password is to first "su" to root**. It is also better practice to always specify the username---what if you want to change your password, but you forget that you are logged in as another user?

sudo may not be necessary in this case, but it certainly does no harm

**Or--in the absurd Ubuntu Universe--use sudo