PASSWD(1) UNIX Programmer's Manual PASSWD(1) NAME passwd - change password file information SYNOPSIS passwd [ user ] DESCRIPTION _P_a_s_s_w_d changes the user's password. First, the user is prompted for their old password, and then, if that is correct, for the new password. The new password must be entered twice to forestall any typing errors. The super- user is not prompted for the old password. Once the password has been verified, _p_a_s_s_w_d uses _m_k_p_a_s_s_w_d(8) to update the user database. This is run in the background, and, at very large sites could take several minutes. Until this update is completed, the password file is unavailable for other updates and the new password will not be available to programs. FILES /etc/master.passwd the user database SEE ALSO chpass(1), login(1), passwd(5), mkpasswd(8), vipw(8) Robert Morris and Ken Thompson, _U_N_I_X _p_a_s_s_w_o_r_d _s_e_c_u_r_i_t_y Printed 11/24/99 February 22, 1989 1