Password
From Hackepedia
Jump to navigationJump to searchAccess to a UNIX system historically was granted by means of passwords. These consisted of all keys on a typical US keyboard and were at first limited in length. Implementations exist for one time passwords also called skey. Another method for access to UNIX systems are Kerberos passwords. A Unix system is not limited to it's own password database to grant access to users, alternative are NIS or using PAM for a variety of password implementations.
How to change a password
To change your password type passwd and the system will ask you to enter your current password as a security measure, unless you are root.