Software Gadgets

It seems like every web site (and even some programs) want you to have a unique user name and password. Worse, you are expected to somehow remember all these ids and passwords -- not to mention which site or program each is associated with. Many people just write them all down on a list next to their computer. While this is horrible for security, it is far more realistic for the average person who lacks the superhuman memory for random sets of characters that computer security experts stupidly expect people to have.

A somewhat better way to handle the flood of accounts and passwords is a password manager program that will store all of your passwords, user ids, pins, and the like in an encrypted file that you access with a single password. This reduces the number of number of passwords that you absolutely have to remember to one. There are a lot of programs like this available, some pay, some free. In my opinion there are two key things to look for:

1) easy of use -- the ability to drag passwords from the manager to the field on the login form is nice.

2) portability -- the ability to run the program from a CD, floppy, or USB stick (as you will not always be at the same computer).

It may surprise you that great cryptographic security is not on this list. For most people, any cryptographic process is going to be better than that list taped to the monitor, so I don't list it. However, if you have the need for high security, you'll probably want to go with a commercial program what backs up their claims of security with a corporation to sue if there are problems.

SCARABAY is a freeware password manager that beats both of my requirements and has many more features:

Storage of any confidential information (logins, passwords, credit card number, ...).
Data file encryption.
Creating the password of any complexity with the help of the built-in password generator.
Creating any number of users and data files.
Create, copy, edit and delete data quick and easy.
Backup copying and data restoration system.
Multiple Windows Users.
One computer -- many users, one user -- many computers.
User Data (All program and all users data) on Removeable Drive: USB keychain, ZIP disk, diskette.
Program Work and Start: USB keychain, ZIP disk, diskette.
Change Master (User) Password.
Data Password protecting.
Navigate your browser to the login page.
The software saves all the settings changed by the user.

Rating: 4.0 Stars (rated for usage only, not cryptographic abilities)
Operating System: Windows 98+
License: Freeware
Price: Free
Version Reviewed: 2.8
Web Site:http://www.alnichas.info/scarabay.html