General Computing > Computer Accounts and your Kerberos Principal

Computer accounts cannot be set up before you begin work because Fermilab imposes some prerequisites for use of its computers and networks. First, it is necessary to have a valid Fermilab ID in order to obtain accounts on Fermilab computers. Employee ID, Visitor ID, or Contractor ID all are acceptable. Secondly, you need to obtain a Kerberos principal which is essentially a username that identifies you to the centralized computer security system.

You'll need to fill out the Request Form for Computing Username and Primary Accounts. Use this form to choose a computing username (guidelines are on the form), and to request accounts on various systems that the Computing Division administers. In particular, make sure to request a Kerberos principal.

You will receive one or more initial passwords from the Computing Division (according to what you request on the form). You will need to reset them. For information on setting/changing your password for various types of accounts and systems, see Accounts and Passwords (click "Password Changes"). Be sure to choose a very hard-to-guess password for Kerberos -- click here for guidelines!

Some divisions, sections, and experiments at Fermilab maintain their own computers and computing support structure. Because of the lab's use of Kerberos, you need to have your Kerberos principal before you can access ANY computer onsite. Further, we strongly recommend that you use your chosen computing username (which matches your principal) for ALL your computer accounts at the lab; it makes connecting to and communicating between different computers much easier.

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