How to Change Your Linux Account Password

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If you have been told to change your Linux account password, here is a handy guide for how to do so. To change your password, you will need to log into your Linux account on one of the Linux computers in Adams 204 or Adams 019. You can also log in remotely using SSH (for more information on that, click here). If you do not remember your Linux account password or are unable to login to a Linux computer, ask for your password to be reset at Adams 211.

Procedure (Local Login)

1. Login to a Linux computer in Adams Hall. Your username will be your Hofstra Portal username (e.g. h702345678) and the default password is your 700 number (e.g. 702345678).
2. Open the Terminal through the Applications menu in the top left corner of the screen.
3. Enter the following command to change your Linux account password:

   passwd
   

4. When prompted, enter your current password a new password twice to successfully change it. Please note that as you are typing in your password, asterisks will not appear on the screen. This is normal behavior.

Procedure (Remote Login)

1. Login to a Linux computer using SSH. The instructions on how to do that are located here.
2. After successfully logging in, enter the following command to change your Linux password:

   passwd
   

3. When prompted, enter your current password a new password twice to successfully change it. Please note that as you are typing in your password, asterisks will not appear on the screen. This is normal behavior.