Are you having trouble remembering all your passwords? Do you have to request your password every time you try logging in to some websites? Do you use the same password for every site you log into? There’s an easier and safer way.

There are small software programs you can install on your computer to keep track of all your passwords and membership sites. I use KeePass, and a quick google search lists RoboForm and Password Safe as the next two results. If you use a Mac you probably already have Keychain installed. So why should you use an application just to keep up with your passwords? Three reasons: remembering only one password, portability and security.

Remembering Only One Password

The programs listed above use a master password for your file. Just remember the one password to open your file and copy any other password you might need. These programs cut your memory needs from two hundred (if you’re like me) down to one, the master password.

Portability

Sure, you could have Firefox or -gasp- IE save your passwords so you don’t have to look them up or write them down. But what if you need to log in on another computer? With KeePass you can save your password file on a thumbdrive (or email it, if that’s your only option) so you can access it on other computers.

Security

What methods are you using to keep track of your passwords now? Writing them on a post-it stuck to your desk? Do you really trust everyone in your home or office with all the information those passwords unlock? Not to mention we all lose things. I have, at times, piles and piles of paper on my desk. I don’t like the idea of accidentally throwing all my passwords away when I mean to be spring cleaning.

Having your browser save all your passwords can also be a security matter. If your computer is stolen, not only do the thieves have the bookmarks that you’ve saved, but the they won’t have to do anything but click “login” to get to your accounts.

Do you have the same password for every account that you have online? If someone were to guess or hack the password for one account, they could go around to all the other email sites and try the same information, then banking sites, and soon they’d have access to all your information. You really should consider having different secure passwords for each account that you have.

And what constitutes a secure password? Different sites (banking, forum, etc) have their own policies, but some don’t. Pick something other than a word or name. Whole sentences often work, and try to include punctuation, a number or two, and maybe a special character. You could actually use that last sentence for a password if you wanted, or this one, or any, depending on individual site requirements. And if you just don’t know what to pick for your password, KeePass can generate one for you.

There are several options to choose from to meet your password needs. Take a step to keeping your information safe–download and use KeePass or an alternative.

Still not as thick as my current bag

I have a problem. I really don’t like the “briefcase” I use to carry my laptop. It’s one of those old-school laptop bags that has way too many pockets for me–at most I need a mouse, pen and notebook in addition to the laptop. I don’t need pockets for a calculator, post-its, and all of my files. Besides, the girl in me just wants something pretty.

All I need is something to protect my laptop for the few (but increasing) times I take it anywhere. Well, protect it and hold a mouse and the power cable (ideally the travel version and all the attachments, but I realize that is unlikely). Other than function my requirements are some color options other than black, ease of carrying, and the ability to hold a variety of laptop sizes–I’m not going to have this one forever.

As for budget, that’s probably going to be the hardest condition to satisfy. You could say that I’m… frugal. So frugal that I won’t consider buying an item of clothing that costs more than $50–even if it’s a “really good deal.” I’m really stretching my comfort zone in limiting this purchase to $100. Given that I have something (ugly and bulky) that meets my basic requirements, I can’t validate spending more than that.

Your turn–any recommendations or suggestions? I would love to support a small business if possible.