SMB Unix User accounts

Table of Contents

Requesting an account

Follow these steps:

  1. Fill out and sign the Computer Account Request Form (PDF). You can either do this in a PDF editor or fill out the form on paper and scan it.
    Make sure you read the SLAC policy on "Use of Information Resources" before you sign the form.
  2. Send the signed form to PX_Accounts@SLAC.STANFORD.EDU.

Changing the Password

Your account will be initially set up with a temporary password, which will be sent by text message or phone call to the number you provided in your application; we recommend that you log in within one day after you receive the notification of account creation and change the password. To change the password:

  1. Connect via NXClient to either of our servers (smbnxs1.slac.stanford.edu or smbnxs2.slac.stanford.edu)
  2. Launch a terminal from the bottom toolbar
  3. Issue the passwd command
You will be prompted for the "current" password; please copy/paste the temporary password you've been issued (right-click and select "paste" in terminal window), as it may contain ambiguous characters. Press ENTER, then type and re-type your new password as prompted. (NOTE: it will not look as if you typed anything, as the cursor wouldn't advance; unfortunately, that's how passwd works.) Our system will check to make sure your new password is strong enough, specifically:
  • it is at least 10 characters in length
  • it contains a minimum 3 out of 4 character classes, including:
    • lower case letters
    • upper case letters
    • numeric characters
    • symbols and signs (NOTE: do not use "$" (dollar sign) or "&" (ampersand) in your password)
  • cannot significantly resemble your old password

IMPORTANT: If the account remains inactive for a long time, it will be locked. If the account is locked or if you experience any other problems with using your Unix account, please send an email to PX_Accounts@SLAC.STANFORD.EDU

SSH-key Authentication

We transitioned to SSH-key authentication in September 2025 for connections to the SMB Unix system, such as with the NX Client or for network data transfer.

Important: SSH-key authenticiation must be setup on each computer accessing the crystallography beam line Unix system. Detailed instructions are located here.

SSH-keys replace the use of passwords for authentication. Therefore, we recommend that you periodically reivew the SSH-keys that have access to your account (see My Keys), and delete SSH-keys from older unused computers. (You will still need to know your password to start Blu-ice and connect to a specific beamline.)


If you experience any problems with your password or with using your Unix account, please send an email to PX_Accounts@SLAC.STANFORD.EDU.