Passwd is a computing term that refers to the password used to access a system or online account. It is spelled with five letters, /pæs.wɜrd/, in IPA phonetic transcription. The initial sound /p/ is the voiceless bilabial plosive, followed by the short vowel /æ/ and the voiceless alveolar fricative /s/. The third sound is the voiced labiodental approximant /w/, and it is followed by the open-mid central vowel /ɜ/ and the voiced alveolar fricative /rd/. This spelling is used universally in the computing world.
Passwd is a term commonly used in the context of computer systems and networks to refer to a command, file, or protocol that allows users to change their password. The term is derived from a combination of "password" and "change" or "reset." It is often used in Unix-like operating systems, including Linux, to manage user account passwords.
In its most basic form, passwd is a command-line utility that enables users to modify their own passwords. It typically requires users to enter their current password before allowing them to enter and confirm a new password. This process ensures the security and integrity of user accounts.
Passwd can also refer to a system file that stores encrypted password information for each user on a Unix-like operating system. This file is usually only accessible by the system administrator, as it contains sensitive information. The passwd file helps authenticate users during the login process by comparing the entered password with the encrypted password stored in the file.
Additionally, passwd can refer to a network protocol used for changing passwords remotely. This protocol allows users to modify their passwords over a network connection, providing a secure mechanism for password management.
Overall, passwd encompasses various aspects of password management in computer systems and networks, including command-line utilities, system files, and network protocols, all focused on enabling users to change their passwords securely.
The word "passwd" is a shortened version of "password". Its etymology can be traced back to the late 19th century when the word "password" first appeared in English. It originated from the combination of the words "pass" and "word".
The term "pass" can be traced to Middle English, derived from the Old French word "passe" meaning "passing" or "crossing". In this context, it referred to gaining access or crossing a barrier. "Word" has its roots in the Old English word "word", meaning "speech" or "something spoken".
The merging of "pass" and "word" created the compound word "password", which referred to a secret word or phrase used for authentication or access control. Over time, the abbreviation "passwd" emerged as a shorthand form of "password" in the context of computer systems and online security.