Abstract: A system (8) for synchronizing a user password between mainframe (10) and alternative (11, 12) computer operating environments includes a mainframe access module (20) that receives a current user password from an associated mainframe client computer (22) and provides a user with access to selected applications or data in the mainframe operating environment (10) according to the current user password. The mainframe access module (20) also receives a new user password in response to providing the access and communicates the new user password. A mainframe platform (14, 16, 18) coupled to the mainframe access module (20) receives the new user password, stores the new user password, and communicates the new user password. A messaging platform (24, 26, 28) coupled to the mainframe platform receives the new user password from the mainframe platform (14, 16, 18) and communicates a broadcast message containing the new user password.

Abstract: An automated system (10) is provided for resetting a computing system user's log-in password. The automated system (10) includes a database (16) which stores at least one question and corresponding answer received from the user. In response to a request for password reset received from the user, an interface (12) displays the stored question(s), thereby prompting the user to input an answer to each displayed question. A processor (14) is coupled to the database (16) and the interface (12). The processor (14) determines whether each input answer is the same as the stored corresponding answer. If the answers are the same, the processor (14) automatically resets the user's log-in password.