Changing Passwords

openSUSE has the ability to help a user choose a suitable new password that meets the corporate security policy. The underlying PAM module retrieves the current password policy settings from the domain controller, informing the user about the specific password quality requirements a user account typically has by means of a message on login. Like its Windows counterpart, openSUSE presents a message describing:

The password change process cannot succeed unless all requirements have been successfully met. Feedback about the password status is given both through the display managers and the console.

GDM and KDM provide feedback about password expiration and the prompt for new passwords in an interactive mode. To change passwords in the display managers, just provide the password information when prompted.

To change your Windows password, you can use the standard Linux utility, passwd, instead of having to manipulate this data on the server. To change your Windows password, proceed as follows:

  1. Log in at the console.

  2. Enter passwd.

  3. Enter your current password when prompted.

  4. Enter the new password.

  5. Reenter the new password for confirmation. If your new password does not comply with the policies on the Windows server, this feedback is given to you and you are prompted for another password.

To change your Windows password from the GNOME desktop, proceed as follows:

  1. Click the Computer icon on the left edge of the panel.

  2. Select Control Center.

  3. From the Personal section, select Change Password.

  4. Enter your old password.

  5. Enter and confirm the new password.

  6. Leave the dialog with Close to apply your settings.

To change your Windows password from the KDE desktop, proceed as follows:

  1. Select Personal Settings from the main menu.

  2. Select Security & Privacy.

  3. Click Password & User Account.

  4. Click Change Password.

  5. Enter your current password.

  6. Enter and confirm the new password and apply your settings with OK.

  7. Leave the Personal Settings with File+Quit.