Username

What is a Username?

Definition

A username is a unique name that identifies a specific user account within a computer system, website, or online service. It connects a person to their stored files, settings, and permissions inside that system. This identification allows the system to distinguish one account from another and assign access appropriately.

Frayer Model Overview

Frayer model diagram explaining the computer term “Username,” divided into definition, characteristics, examples, and non-examples.

Characteristics

  • Identifies a user account, not a device

  • Usually chosen or assigned when an account is created

  • Often visible to the user and sometimes to others

  • Must be unique within a given system or service

  • Used together with a password or other security method

Examples

  • A college login name used for email or learning systems

  • A username required to access a cloud storage service

  • The account name shown at the top of a browser profile

  • A username used to sign in to Microsoft Word online

Non-Examples

  • A password or PIN

  • Your full legal name written on a document

  • The name of the computer itself

  • An email message or document content

  • A physical ID card or student number

Related Terms

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