Even if just for an excess of caution, some security experts advise BlackBerry users to change their passwords from time to time.

Before some of you utter a collective "why is Russ writing about something so simple," let me tell you why I have chosen to do so.

That's because the BlackBerry Technical Knowledge Center -probably via internal memos from Tech Support- has decided this question is common enough to work up and post a new document describing how you should do this.

Essentially, you have two choices:

Your first alternative is type an incorrect password ten times. The data on the BlackBerry device will be erased and the password will be reset. After your BlackBerry is resent, you'll see a prompt for a new password.

The document notes that During the process of typing an incorrect password ten times, you may be prompted to type blackberry a few times.

But what if you don't want to go through that error-and-trial process to change your BlackBerry password? You have an alternative.

The document advises:

1. On the Home screen, click Options > Security Options > General Settings. Note: If you are running BlackBerry Device Software 4.0 Service Pack 2 or earlier, click Options > Security.
2. Display the menu and select Change Password.
3. Complete the on-screen instructions.