WYNTK: UNIX System Admininistrator

Quick Reference of login troubleshooting

Information to find and keep

What is the best way to reboot my terminal?________

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Are there any terminal peculiarities? _______________

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For X users: what’s the best way to get a new login

box? _______________________________________

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Terminal is dead. No hum. No lights.

Check the power supply. Is the power cord plugged into both the electrical outlet and the computer? Is the computer turned on? Is the outlet working? (Check with an appliance such as a lamp.)

Terminal is running but not lit up

1. Check the cables and connectors; e.g., is the base connected to the monitor? Is the network connection plugged in?

2. If the monitor has a separate power cord, is that plugged in to a power outlet?

3. Check the brightness control knob.

4. Try rebooting.

Terminal shows gibberish

Try rebooting.

Can’t type characters in the login box

Check that the keyboard and mouse are connected to the terminal. Are there any lights on the keyboard that aren’t usually there, such as a Num Lock key or a Program key that might prevent typing or mouse clicks?

Your login is not accepted

1. Type it over. Take your time.

2. Try logging in at another terminal, to see if the problem might be with your terminal.

3. Ask if others are having the same problem.

4. Ask for help from the system administrator.

Choosing a new password

1. Type the passwd command

   % passwd

2. Select a password of seven or eight ...