Last update: Thu Apr 26, 2007

This is intendend as an overview for new users of the Chemistry Computer Facility. We will be improving and updating this document on a continuing basis. Please feel free to provide us with your feedback. Due to the many links to additional documentation, it is best read on the web at URL:

http://www.chemistry.ohio-state.edu/compsupp/intro-for-new-users.html

Contents:

1. Chemistry UNIX/Windows account
2. Change my passwords

1. Chemistry User Accounts
   1. What is a "Chemistry Unix account"?
      

      A "chemistry Unix account", or Unix account for short, is a user authorization on the central Unix server in the Chemistry Department. The chemistry Unix server handles all departmental email, web pages, general purpose computing, Unix home directories and serves as the entry point into the Department from the outside.

   2. Why would I want a "Chemistry Unix account"?
      

      If you want to send and receive email in the Department, you need a Unix account. As part of your research work, you may also need to do computations, store files, have your own personal webpage, create and print graphics, etc.

   3. What is a "Chemistry Windows account"?
      

      A "Windows account" is a user authorization on the central Windows 2003 server in the Chemistry Department and on all Windows PCs in the CHEMISTRY domain. The Windows server provides central file storage for all desktop PCs and Macs in the Department.

   4. Why would I want a "Windows account"?
      

      A Windows account will allow you to store files in one location, your personal U: share, and access them from all Windows machines (and on request, from all Macs) in the Department. You need a Windows account if you want to use the PCs in the Graduate Computer Lab 2105 NW.

   5. To request account, follow the link below
      

      Request Unix and Windows accounts on the Chemistry Servers. This form is for campus access only. Fill out the form and submit it. We will normally create your account within two business days. Make sure you check the box "Request access to 2105 NW now?" if you want to use the Graduate Computer Lab located at 2105 Newman-Wolfrom.

      Do NOT submit an account request if you come to the Department as part of a larger group (group of summer research students all starting at the same time, new firstyear students coming at the same time). In this case the Graduate Studies Office will provide us with the appropriate information and we will create all accounts together. Similarly, if you are a Chemical Physics firstyear student Professor Miller's office will provide us with the information.

   6. What will my username and initial password be?
      

      Your username will typically be your "first initial" - "full last name" (truncated to 8 characters). If your name is "Joe User", your username will be "juser". If that name has been used already, we will put in your middle initial. If you have a strong preference for a particular username, let us know when filling out the account request form.

      An exception occurs for faculty accounts. Faculty members get their last name as usernames.

      The initial password for both Unix and Windows will be your (first initial) in uppercase, followed by (the last 6 digits of the your buckid number preceding the final 000) followed by your (last initial) in lowercase.

2. How do I change my passwords?
   1. Change Windows Password
      

      To change your Windows password, hit CTRL-ALT-DEL and and select the "Change Password" button. We enforce good passwords, and the system will reject passwords that are not considered safe enough. The rules for new Windows passwords are largely identical to those for Unix passwords, i.e. if you stick to the rules how to choose a new Unix password, Windows will accept it too.

      Note that your Windows password and your Unix password are independent of each other. For good security, you should choose different passwords on each platform.

      Please change your password as soon as possible. If you don't change your password within a reasonable amount of time, your account will be removed.

   2. Change my UNIX password?
      

      From a computer in your research group, or from a public lab, SSH or TELNET (internally only) to chemistry.ohio-state.edu and login with your username and initial password. You will be prompted for a new password (you have to enter it a second time for verification).

      If you want to change your password again later on, type the command

                  passwd

      You will be prompted for your current password, then for a new password of your choice, and for verification of your new password.

      Our passwd-program will carefully screen prospective new passwords, and it will reject everything that it deems guessable.

      Here are a few tips how to select good, non-guessable passwords. Your password must

      • be 8 characters long
      • contain upper AND lowercase letters
      • contain digits OR punctuation characters (such as !@#$%^&*()_+|~<>?,./-=\'`;:")
      • not contain a name or recognizable word (the dictionary includes Chinese, Hebrew, Star Trek lingo including Klingon, etc.)
      
      

      You should never share your password with anybody.

   3. How can I read my email?
      

      One of the easiest ways to access email from inside or outside the Department is through the secure web-based email interface TWIG.

      If you're used to Unix and have some basic familiarity with it, you can either TELNET (internally only) or SSH to chemistry.ohio-state.edu and use pine, elm, or mutt. (You need SSH if you're outside the Department; see FAQ).