Encryption of login passwords--where and how is it done?

[Chris]

Anthony Atkielski wrote:
...
> I'd like to think that a 128-byte password consisting of
> random words and special characters would be just as secure as a
> shorter, completely random password, but that's only true if FreeBSD is
> hashing the entire 128-byte string in some cryptographically secure way
> in order to produce an encrypt password that is a function of every bit
> of the plaintext password.
> 

Ummm - Somehow, somewhere, I was always taught that the longer the
password, the better. So, how can a short passward (say 10 bytes) be as
secure as a 128 byte? Let's see - would I rather walk a block for a
glass of water or walk a mile? Oh hush you people - I know what you're
gonna say - why walk when you can drive.


-- 
Best regards,
Chris

Everybody's gotta be someplace.