PLEASE RETAIN -- CONFIDENTIAL [firstname] [mi] [lastname] -- [idnumber]

 

Important Computing Information:
Instructions for Creating Your MIT Kerberos Identity
MIT
Information
Systems
web.mit.edu/is


Need Help? Go to
web.mit.edu/help/register/

If you do not have web access or are having difficulty loading the page contact:
IS User Accounts
Building N42
211 Mass Ave.
Cambridge, MA
617.253.1325
accounts@mit.edu
web.mit.edu/accounts

Welcome to MIT! As a member of the MIT community, you now have access to a vast array of computer-based facilities and tools to help you get your work done (or to just play).

To take advantage of many of these electronic resources, you first need to establish an identity in MIT's Kerberos™ security system. Many electronic systems on campus use your Kerberos identity to confirm that you are who you say you are -- when these systems ask for your username and password, they're really asking for your centrally-maintained MIT Kerberos username and password. (See below for partial list of systems using your MIT Kerberos identity).

You create your MIT Kerberos identity in the process of registering for an account on MIT's Athena® system. (See right column for instructions.)

Sign up now, to open your door to the electronic resources of MIT!

Creating Your MIT Kerberos Identity

To establish your MIT Kerberos identity (and set up your Athena Account), follow these instructions:

  1. If you you do not have a compatible web browser, you can download Netscape Navigator 4.78 for Macintosh or Windows at web.mit.edu/software/.
  2. Using a web browser, go to the web page web.mit.edu/register/. (On campus, you can click on the Register for an Account button on the login screen of any Athena workstation. There are Athena workstations in "clusters" all over campus, and in individual offices.)

  3. Follow the instructions as prompted, using the information from your MIT Kerberos / Athena Account Coupon below. The coupon information applies only to you and is valid for exactly one use -- after you have successfully registered for your account, nobody else can register for an account as you, even if they find this coupon.

  4. That's it! Your Kerberos identity is available immediately. (Your Athena account and filespace may take several hours before they become available.)
 
Confidential MIT KERBEROS / ATHENA ACCOUNT COUPON Non-Transferable
[Athena logo] Name: Joe R. User [Athena logo]
MIT ID#: 900012345
Key Words: moon beam star
clam beet room
Limit One Account DO NOT LOSE! No Cash Value



What Your MIT Kerberos Identity Gives You Access To (partial list)

  • MIT's central email services. Once you have established your Kerberos identity, others can send email to you at an @mit.edu email address.

  • A wealth of "web certificate"-based online services (educational discounts for computer purchases, access to MIT-only web pages, software downloads, etc.)
  • WebSIS, MIT's web-based student information system, provides you with online access to your student record.

  • The Athena system, MIT's campus-wide UNIX®-based academic computing facility. In addition to filespace, you can use Athena to communicate with other students and faculty on-line, explore the internet, do class work, put up your own web pages, and make use of many other features and applications (e.g., third-party software).

  • Some of the electronically-run campus "lotteries" (Housing, Phys. Ed.)

  • For information about these systems and services (and how to access them), see web.mit.edu/is/help/kerberos/uses.html.

Choosing Your MIT Kerberos Username

Unlike usernames you may have created on other systems, once you pick your MIT Kerberos username, you will not be able to change it, ever! Be sure to pick a name you will feel comfortable using and sharing with others (your advisor, instructors, potential employers, friends, and maybe even your family) for as long as you are at MIT.

Choosing Your MIT Kerberos Password

Unlike your username, you can change your password any time you like -- in fact, you should. But pick a password that can't be easily guessed. Don't use words in the dictionary or names. Do use combinations of capital and lowercase letters, numbers and punctuation. And never write down your password or share it with anyone! (Also, don't use your MIT Kerberos password as a password in any non-Kerberos systems you access: this endangers your MIT Kerberos account.)

Protecting Your MIT Kerberos Identity

It is important that you safeguard your Kerberos username and password because you will be held responsible for anything done using your MIT Kerberos identity. Don't share your password delibrately, and don't expose your username and password on the Internet inadvertantly (hackers illegally gather usernames and passwords all the time). The bottom line: if it's done in your name, you are rersponsible.