User Login "Strikes" System

[Hornstar]

Ive got a question and a modification request.

1st.

Just wondering how I change the limit on the amount of wrong passwords a user attempts before it locks them out and then how do I change the time limit it blocks them out.

A programmer has made a script that reads a certain part of my database and then sends a few values back to his sever, however if any user inputs a wrong password, it will then block everyone from his sever.
Thus why I think If i modify the above it wont be so bad for everyone.

2nd.

if someone could modify or make a mod for me, I want to make 1 IP address exempt from the User Login "Strikes" System. So that IP address can have as many wrong password attempts as they like.

Thanks