passes

Password vault

Here's the thing about passwords: If you can remember them, they're too weak. If you copy them or write them down, you compromise security (plus you'll lose that piece of paper; trust us on this one). Password managers can help you keep your PC secure by making it easy to use strong passwords without committing them to memory or paper. KeePass Password Safe stores passwords in encrypted database files that can only be unlocked by a master password or key file, or both. It's open-source freeware that runs in Windows versions from 98 to 7.

KeePass … Read more

Keep passwords safe

KeePass 2 Portable is a completely portable version of KeePass Password Safe. Like the installed version, KeePass 2 Portable is open-source freeware that stores passwords securely in an encrypted database file that can be transferred between computers with ease. It can also print, import, and export password data and generate key files and random passwords. It accepts plug-ins that can enhance functionality in areas such as networking, backups, and compatibility with other applications.

KeePass 2 Portable's interface and functions are largely identical to KeePass Password Safe, which we've already reviewed. The chief difference between the two is that … Read more

The 404 852: Where it's always bummy in Philadelphia (podcast)

It's our last show before the three-day weekend, so we're wrapping up with a review of the movie box office, and some new services that'll help with the cost of tickets. We're also exploring the idea of 4D movie theaters, and quizzing Wilson on another episode of Tang that Tune. Also, be sure to tune into the second half of the show for the debut of Jeff's new recurring segment, Squishy Moments with Jeff Bakalar!

The 404 Digest for Episode 852

MoviePass: See unlimited movies in the theater for $50 a month. 4D movies: what the heckbeans is that? Do something cat! 2/5 stars for Transformers: Dark of the Moon.

Episode 852 Subscribe in iTunes (audio) | Subscribe in iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video… Read more

Buzz Out Loud 1499: Finally, Venn diagrams come to social networking! (Podcast)

On today's show, we're kind of down on Microsoft Office 365 and poor MySpace's future, but we feel a tiny bit positive about the overlapping circles of nerdiness that could be possible with Google's new Plus social networking beta. Also, find out what you love on Google, if you can, and see all the movies you want for $50 a month. Plus: our new favorite word! Philanthrodorks!

This Day in Tech: Kids can play violent video games; Supreme Court steps in to set rules on warrantless GPS tracking

Too busy to keep up with the tech news? Here are some of the more interesting stories from CNET for Monday, June 27.

Facebook valuation seen at $70 billion Investment group GSV Capital has picked up a significant number of shares in Facebook, but its valuation of the social-networking site has garnered more buzz. More

Google curbs Web map exposing phone locales Company limits access to geolocation database linking Wi-Fi devices with physical locations after a CNET article highlighted potential privacy concerns. More

Supreme Court strikes violent game law The U.S. high court invalidates a California law restricting the … Read more

Start-up tinkers with all-you-can-eat in-theater movies

A start-up service called MoviePass is offering film fans unlimited movie viewing in theaters for a fee of $50 a month.

Wired.com reports that Moviepass will soon enable users to use a smartphone to search for a film, check show times, and provide proof of purchase with ticket takers. The service was announced Monday and is set to launch in a test version in the San Francisco Bay area in time for the July 4th weekend.

This would appear to be a convenience play. Pay a monthly fee in advance, and MoviePass will remove much of the ticket-buying hassle. … Read more

After Sega gets hacked, LulzSec offers to seek revenge

The hacking free-for-all continued this week as Sega apparently became the latest victim of a network breach and none other than hacking group LulzSec offered to help the game company by taking down the responsible parties.

The blog PlayStation LifeStyle posted yesterday what it said was a letter sent by Sega to users of its Sega Pass service, informing them that "unauthorized entry was gained" to the Sega Pass database and that the company is investigating.

"We have identified that a subset of Sega Pass members' e-mail addresses, dates of birth, and encrypted passwords were obtained," … Read more

Performing custom secure file deletion via the OS X Terminal

When you delete a file from your hard drive, the system will by default just remove that item's directory entry but will leave its data structure on the drive intact. This allows the file's data to be overwritten, but it also means that until this happens, the file's data can be read and reassembled if needed, as is done by various file recovery utilities. To prevent files from being recovered, OS X comes with a secure erase option that overwrites the location of files on the disk with random data, which interferes with the file's data … Read more

Rockstar Games debuts 'Pass' with L.A. Noire DLC

In keeping with today's trend of gaming pay services, Rockstar Games has announced L.A. Noire Rockstar Pass, a one-time DLC preorder that will lock in all the game's current and upcoming DLC.

L.A. Noire is a massive 17-hour or more undertaking, but players will now have the option to take on additional cases, challenges, and unlock new suits today and throughout the summer.

Until June 14, the L.A. Noire Rockstar Pass will be discounted ($10) on both the Xbox Live Marketplace and PlayStation Network. Afterwards, items return to their normal individual prices.

Click through for a breakdown of each DLC item's release date and price.… Read more

Poll: Mobile workers sleep with phone, check overnight

Some 61 percent of mobile workers sleep with their smartphones, with many of them waking up during the night to check them, according to a report released yesterday by mobile services provider iPass.

Based on a survey of more than 3,700 mobile employees from more than 1,000 companies, the iPass Global Mobile Workforce Report (PDF) found that downtime may be a thing of the past. More workers (91 percent) are using their free time, both day and night, to check their smartphones. Among those, almost 30 percent check their smartphones three to five times an hour, and 20 … Read more