MSN Explorer: About passwords

A strong, secret password is an important part of online safety. Use these guidelines to help create your password:

• Choose a password that's at least six characters long. Your password can contain any combination of numbers and letters, but it can't include spaces or symbols.
  
  
• Use a random combination of letters and numbers. Passwords are case sensitive.
  
  
• Never use a password that's easy to guess, such as your birth date or child's name.
  
  
• Don't include your email address, your first name, or your last name in your password.
  
  
• Never write your password on paper. Instead, use a password that's easy for you to remember.
  
  
• Never send your password by email or in an instant message.
  
  
• Change your password every few months.
  
  

For more information, go to the Microsoft security website.