Can you change your password remotely? If you can log onto your work system from home, learn the password changing procedures. That way if you're sick on a day that others need access to your data, you can change the password to a temporary "guest" one, then change it back later.

2torial #0499: Learn2 Choose and Use a Password (Continued) Avoid the old standbys Here are some of the most common password categories around, and therefore likely to be guessed:   Common names, such as Jen or Gordon. Also avoid using your middle name, your mother's maiden name, or the name of your children.   Obscenities, especially of the four-letter variety. Most password crackers will try them early on.   Science fiction terms: Among the more prevalent are "Data," "Spock," "Worf," "Borg" and "HAL."   Line-of-sight terms: A lot of people think they're being clever by using a term that's right in front of their face as they sit down at the computer--i.e., they use the word "Sony" because that's the brand of their monitor, or "spider plant" because one's hanging right overhead. But all you're doing is providing contextual clues that others could pick up. To play it safe, avoid any reference to common objects found in households and offices.   Common phrases: Avoid especially those pertaining to greeting or getting down to work, such as "Good morning," "Wake up, "Hey you" or "Get going."   If you have both a login identity and a password, keep in mind that it's relatively easy for other people to get your login--it's right there in the email you send, or in a directory of who's online. Don't let your login provide a clue to the password! If your email address is "HueyDewey@aol.com," don't make your password "andlouie."   In a nutshell: reach for personal, not public significance. Step 4