Welcome! This is a quick intro to COPS (Computer Oracle and Password System.) COPS is a collection of security tools that are designed specifically to aid the typical UNIX systems administrator, programmer, operator, or consultant in the oft neglected area of computer security. The package can be broken down into three key parts. The first is the actual set of programs that attempt to automate security checks that are often performed manually (or perhaps with self written short shell scripts or programs) by a systems administrator. The second part is the documentation, which details how to set up, operate, and to interpret any results given by the programs. Finally, COPS is an evolving beast. It includes a list of possible extensions that might appear in future releases, as well as pointers to other works in UNIX security that could not be included at this time, due to space or other restrictions.