If you forget your
password it’s quite a big job to reset it, requiring you to click “Forgotten
Password”, then check your email for a link, click on a link, make a new password
and remember what it is. Sometimes I
find myself doing this for clients on every site they use For example: BBC, Amazon, M & S, Sainsbury, Easyjet,
Apple ID etc
If you forget your
passwords to common sites, you will find that you spend all your time resetting
the password and getting frustrated rather than enjoying your time online. So write down all your passwords in a little
book. Each site you log onto should have a different
password. If you change your password,
write down the new password and the date you changed it! It is perfectly safe to do this, as most
hacking happens online. It would be rare
for an intruder to find your password book and use it.
If you have an
Apple device you will have an Apple ID (your email) and a password. It is vital that you know what these two are
and why they are important. They are
required when you want to download an App, buy music, log into the iCloud, use
Facetime or iMessage. It’s what keeps
your Apple device working so don’t lose it or forget that it’s needed.
On Windows you
will have a Microsoft account, which is linked to Outlook mail and also
Skype. It’s a total palaver if you
forget your password. Write it down!
You need a
password to set up your email. You won’t
need to use it unless you need to set up an email on another device, but you
still need to know it a password exists in your email account.
New users are
often helped in store or at home to get their technology all set up and
working. In so many cases however in all
the excitement, the use of ID and passwords are not sufficiently explained.
Just a note that a
passcode lock which you use to unlock the device is not your password. The passcode lock can be alphanumeric, a 6
digit or 4 digit number, a pattern, a fingerprint or face recognition. The passcode can be set to be required
immediately or after a period of time that you can decide. You don’t need to add a passcode for your
device if you don’t want to. If you travel
with your device you should use a passcode to protect your data.
For novice users,
the passcode can cause frustration and difficulty, so I advise putting it on
after the user is a bit more accustomed to using the technology.
If you have more
than one device, your ID and password are used to keep them all talking to each
other and syncing. If you move house or
change your phone number, don’t forget to update your information in the
settings.
Best practice is
never to share your ID or password with others, even family members. It works best if you have your own and you
are in charge.
You will also need
to learn to make memorable passwords.
Strong passwords use a combination of upper and lower case letters,
numbers and symbols. 8 digits is a good
length for a password.
If you have locked
yourself out of your iPad or laptop because you have forgotten your password or
passcode, you are not alone. However
don’t be defeated and leave your technology unused. I see this happen so often and it’s such a
shame. Seek help and learn to love your
technology.
