Quick Start Guide

5.7.1 User and System Connections
NetworkManager knows two types of connections: user and system connections.
User connections are connections that become available to NetworkManager when
the rst user logs in. Any required credentials are asked from the user and when the
user logs out, the connections are disconnected and removed from NetworkManager.
Connections that are dened as system connection can be shared by all users and
are made available right after NetworkManager is started—before any users log in.
In case of system connections, all credentials must be provided at the time the con-
nection is created. Such system connections can be used to automatically connect
to networks that require authorization. For information how to congure user or
system connections with NetworkManager, refer to Section 5.3, “Conguring Network
Connections” (page 56).
For KDE, system connections with NetworkManager are currently not supported (use
YaST instead).
5.7.2 Storing Passwords and Credentials
If you do not want to re-enter your credentials each time you want to connect to an
encrypted network, you can use the desktop-specic tools GNOME Keyring Manager
or KWalletManager to store your credentials encrypted on the disk, secured by a
master password.
With KNetworkManager, you can congure if and how to store your credentials in
KDE. To do so, left-click the KNetworkManager icon and select Manage Connections.
Click Other > Connection Secrets and select one of the following options:
Do Not Store (Always Prompt)
This is useful if you are working in an environment where storing credentials is
considered a security risk.
In File (Unencrypted)
WARNING: Security Risk
Storing your network credentials unencrypted is a security risk. Everybody
who has access to your computer can reuse your connectivity and intercept
your network connection.
If you choose this option, your passwords are stored unencrypted in the respective
connection le that is created for each connection. Find them under $HOME/.kde4/
share/apps/networkmanagement/connections.
In Secure Storage (Encrypted)
If you choose this options, your credentials are stored in KWalletManager. For
more information on KWalletManager, see Chapter 8, Managing Passwords with
KWallet Manager (↑KDE User Guide).
66 Start-Up