Passwords overview
When accessing the different computer services and systems you’ll need different passwords. This page outlines which password is required in the most common situations. Note that it is possible to change all passwords to be the same and details are provided below on how to change the different passwords.
Remember, you are obliged to keep these passwords secret and to take all necessary steps to ensure they are not divulged to anyone.
Network Login Password
Initially this is the original password you get when you first register in College. This password gives you access to the following services:
- you can login to computers (both PC and Macintosh) on the College network
- you can access websites external to College when logged in to a computer in College; sometimes referred to as your ‘external web access’ password, it is always the same as your network login password
- staff may access their College email account; this password is always the same as your network login password. Note, as outlined below, that students have a separate password for accessing the student MyZone email system.
- you can access websites that are restricted to College users. This is sometimes referred to as your 'local web access' password but it is always the same as your network login password.
- you can access e-journals and databases from off campus on the TCD Library website
- students using personal computers in College can register on the TCDconnect service and subsequently get fast, secure internet access on campus
- you can login to the College’s course management system called Blackboard/WebCT
- you can login to the Student Information System
When setting the network login password the following guidelines must be met:
- Password must be at least 7 characters in length
- Password must contain at least one lowercase character (a-z)
- Password must contain at least one uppercase character (A-Z)
- Password must contain a numeric character (0-9) or a special character such as ! # or % (Don't use € or £)
- Password cannot be the same as any of your previous 24 passwords
- Password can only be changed once in any 24 hour period
Changing the Network Login Password
- Change your Network Login Password
(using TCD Password Manager)
You must change this password within 14 days of first logging in to a computer in College and you will receive an email from IS Services advising you of this. The password must then be changed every 180 days thereafter, you will again be emailed automatically. Changing this password does NOT change the other passwords described in this section.
IS Services recommend that you use the online tool called Password Manager to change this password. Registering with Password Manager involves providing answers to a number of security questions. Having registered you will be able to change this password and also, in the event of your forgetting it, you can reset it without having to call in person to the Helpdesk.
Student Email - MyZone Password
Your MyZone password is separate to your network login password. New students must first set their MyZone email password via the MyZone start page before being able to use the MyZone service. The password requirements are similar to the network login password, see above, except that the minimum length is 8 characters.