Getting  Along With Your Computer Column Archive

The Last Word On Passwords

By Cate Eales
Appeared July 16, 2009 on castanet.net
 

Last week and the week before, I explained why it's a good idea to have your passwords handy, why it's a good idea to store them securely, and I mentioned a couple of programs that make it easy to keep track of your passwords. To finish up the discussion, I'll try to help you find all your passwords, and give you a couple of tips about storing them.


Important Security Update
Before we continue the password discussion, I want to mention that Microsoft announced another security problem for users of Windows XP and Microsoft Office. If that's you I suggest you disable the ActiveX control that's creating the problem. You can easily do so by visiting this page and clicking on the "Fix It" link. (You might want to bookmark the page in case you need to undo the fix later on.)

Firefox users are not affected. I've been using Firefox for years, resorting to Internet Explorer only because many of you and some of my customers still use it. I recently installed the new Firefox 3.5 version, and I love it. I recommend you try it if you haven't already. You can download it here. You do not need to uninstall Internet Explorer. You can even leave Internet Explorer as your default browser if you like, while you try out Firefox. Firefox is completely free. Read more here.


The last word on passwords
Finding all your passwords can seem a daunting task, but as I mentioned in the past columns, KeePass and Password Safe are two programs that can help you get started, as well as help you keep your passwords secure. When you open either of those programs for the first time, you will see suggested groups. In general, you should start by recording the passwords that you know, and then as you use your computer every day, you should make an effort to record any "new" ones you come across.

Here is a list of the general categories:

Programs like RoboForm and LastPass will help you gather up passwords for websites if you have saved the passwords in your Firefox or Internet Explorer browser. You can also use the free version of System Information for Windows to reveal many passwords stored on your computer, including some you probably didn't know you had. I haven't found a way to export to a file from the free version, but you can print that section, and that should help.

Once you're on your way to collecting all this information, you should think about how and where to store it. A good way to keep track of it is with a program like KeePass or the others I've mentioned. KeePass will let you print a copy. If you do that, keep it in a locked drawer. You want it handy when you need it, but not readily available to others.

This is NOT a good way to keep track of your passwords.

Many people also have a copy of their passwords stored off site, for instance in a safe deposit box or with a lawyer or other trusted individual. If you do that, please make sure you update information when anything changes.

How do you keep track of your passwords? Several people have emailed to say they use and like RoboForm, including a couple who like it so much they've gone to the paid version. If you use a tool or system not mentioned here, please let me know and I'll mention it in a future column.

Do you need help with your computer? With your printer/camera/music player? Do you need help with your passwords?  Do you have a virus or a spyware problem?  Do you need more RAM?  Do you need a backup plan? Do you have a new computer and now you're wondering how to get the files from the old one over to the new one? I'm here to help you and your home or business computer get along! To ask a question, make a comment or suggestion, or schedule a visit, email help@computercarekelowna.com. You can read previous columns here.  If you'd like to subscribe to this column by email, please visit this link.  It's easy, and free. If you'd prefer the RSS Feed, click here.

Links
Microsoft Security Advisory: Vulnerability in Microsoft Office Web Components control could allow remote code execution http://support.microsoft.com/kb/973472
Firefox http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/upgrade.html
More Firefox info More Firefox info http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/upgrade.html#feature-vsie
The Most Common Password Is... http://rlis.com/columns/column203.htm
Safety First http://rlis.com/columns/column204.htm
KeePass Password Safe http://keepass.info/
Password Safe http://passwordsafe.sourceforge.net/
RoboForm http://www.roboform.com/
LastPass https://lastpass.com/
System Information for Windows http://www.gtopala.com/
Computer Care Kelowna http://computercarekelowna.com/
Getting Along With Your Computer Column Archives http://rlis.com/column.htm
Get Cate's column by email http://www.feedblitz.com/f/f.fbz?Sub=20618
RSS Feed: http://rlis.com/rlis.xml

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Cate Eales has been helping people make online computing safe, accessible and fun for over 20 years. She lives in Kelowna with her husband, Eric, and her dog, Sandy. Cate is a partner in Computer Care Kelowna, helping individuals and small businesses with virus, spyware and malware eradication; personal computer training and management; digital image management; music transfer; and website design, hosting and management. Email Cate at help@computercarekelowna.com with your comments, suggestions, or questions. To browse the column archives, visit the Real Life Internet Solutions website at www.rlis.com.

© Cate Eales 2009 – All Rights Reserved
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