Adding Passwords

Adding a password file to a bootable floppy goes like this:

• Boot up with the floppy out: Remove the floppy, place the CD in the CD drive, and boot the computer.

• Set a password: Type:

  plac:root /root>passwd
  Changing password for root
  ...
  New Password: 
  

  Many authors have provided advice on how to choose good passwords. We suggest you follow it.

• Mount the floppy: Place the floppy in the floppy drive and type:

  mount /dev/fd0 /mnt/floppy

• Copy the password file to the floppy: Type:

  cp /etc/passwd /mnt/floppy/

• Update PLAC.go on the floppy: There are many ways to edit files. The Bootable CD includes several. This example just adds the appropriate text to the beginning of the PLAC.go file:

  echo "cp -f /mnt/floppy/passwd /etc/passwd" > /mnt/floppy/zz
  cat /mnt/floppy/PLAC.go >> /mnt/floppy/zz
  mv /mnt/floppy/zz /mnt/floppy/PLAC.go
  

• Sync and reboot: Type:

  sync
  

  Wait for this program to finish, then reboot. When they system comes up, and from then on, as long as the floppy is inserted, the password you chose will be required for access.

  You can use the same procedure to alter the password file, but you should skip the instruction labelled "Edit PLAC.go on the floppy:"