Overview

Because OpenVMS is designed for many users, it must have some way of telling those users apart. For each authorized user, OpenVMS maintains a user account. Each account has a unique name, known as the username, and an associated password. ^[1]

When you log in to an OpenVMS system, you supply your username, identifying yourself to the system, and your password as proof of your identity. Your system manager will supply you with a username and an initial password. If you are installing OpenVMS on a new system, you will be asked to choose the initial passwords for several built-in accounts during installation.

The first time you use your account, you may be required to change your password. Afterward, you may be required to change your password at regular intervals as defined by your system manager. Your user account does far more than simply identify you to the system. It also specifies the location of your home directory; when and where you are allowed to log in; and the rights, resource quotas and limits, and privileges you are allowed on the system. Figure 4-1 contains a listing of a user account record.

Username: MIKE                             Owner:  Mike DuffyAccount:  SYSTEM                   ...