.. _account-access:

############
Unix account
############

.. _request:

open an account
===============

Please email the following information to support-neuro@berkeley.edu:

* **name**: what is your first and last name?
* **email address**: what is your berkeley.edu address? If you don't have one, then please request account approval from your PI.
* **username**: specify a username that is 8 characters or fewer. Use only letters and/or numbers.
* **position**: are you a Graduate Student, Postdoctoral Fellow, or Research Assistant?
* **contact**: specify a lab member who you will see in person to relay your temporary password.
* **mobile number (optional)**: I may contact you via text if your email address fails, or to reset a password.

.. _password:

change password
===============

I recommend that you install and configure X2Go (remote desktop) session first.  Alternatively, you may login with a :ref:`secure shell client<sshclient>`.


#. In X2Go, you will see a menu in the upper left corner. click on:

   Applications -> Terminal Emulator

#. In the terminal window, type the 'passwd' command ::

   $ passwd

You will be prompted for your old and new password.


password security
-----------------

A good password:
  * Contains at least 8 characters
  * Is unique, not derived from a dictionary word nor your username
  * Contains at least one of the following: 

    * uppercase letter
    * lowercase letter
    * number
    * special character

To ensure data integrity, don't share nor re-use passwords. The following comic is an entertaining reminder to be sensible about password security:

    **Password Reuse** from `xkcd <http://xkcd.com/792/>`_

    .. image:: ../images/password-reuse.png