password

PDF converter

CHM2PDF Pilot aims to help users convert pesky .chm files into the more easily read .pdf format. While we would have liked to see it convert faster, we could not argue with its focused functionality.

The program has a very simple interface, focused around its basic black and white screen. Users will not be overwhelmed, since there are only a few command buttons and each is fairly self-explanatory, though there is a Help file available for anyone with a question. The program functions smoothly and simply, which every user will appreciate. Going into a simple file tree gives users an … Read more

Random Password creator

Advanced Password Generator provides users with a randomly compiled list of passwords based on specific parameters. With simple controls, this is a great tool for increasing online security; however, trial limitations make it hard to grasp its full potential.

The program's interface is slightly confusing upon first glace. Users may be overwhelmed with the number of radio buttons and numbers scattered throughout the small screen. However, with a little experimenting or a visit to the Help file, users will learn the program's functions. While we would like to see a cleaner setup, the program does a fine job … Read more

Bozeman to job seekers: We won't seek passwords

The city of Bozeman, Mont., has rescinded its long-standing policy that job applicants provide user names and passwords to social-networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace.

According to a press release (PDF) issued Friday:

The extent of our request for a candidate's password, user name, or other internet information appears to have exceeded that which is acceptable to our community. We appreciate the concern many citizens have expressed regarding this practice and apologize for the negative impact this issue is having on the City of Bozeman.

The city stopped the practice as of midday Friday, until it "conducts … Read more

Innovative organizational tool

While some programs focus only on passwords or account information, eWallet promises to help keep all of your important numbers together in one secure place.

This program's colorful, busy interface looks overwhelming at first, but there's an excellent Wizard to guide you through the process. The interface has a large central screen to view a selected record. Along the left side is a file tree that is dedicated to your virtual wallet and all the records it will contain. The top of the screen houses the commands that allow you to develop this wallet. Adding an item is … Read more

Reveals nothing

In the event that you forget one of your many usernames and passwords, SpotAuditor offers the capability to retrieve that information. But an extremely vague user interface and a trial restriction gave us very little to work with during our tests.

The program's user interface seems simple enough at first glance, but further inspection revealed very little direction. Commands and menu options reside at the top of the window, and three sections below are reserved for configuring the audit information. Not knowing where to go first, we clicked the Start Audit button to see what would happen. The program … Read more

Errors impede performance

Password Memory 2009 is a free program that aims to keep your usernames and passwords in check. However, a glitch produced errors that prevented us from successfully saving our password information.

The user interface resembles the standard Microsoft interface, so it will look familiar to most people. Prominent command buttons to add, open, and delete password profiles are easily found. The program contains a search feature to look up a specific profile. We found it extremely intuitive, and we were able to quickly create a new password profile. Creating a new profile requires that you enter your username and password … Read more

Passpack now lets you securely share your log-ins

Password storage service Passpack has a new feature that lets you share your account log-ins with others. It's meant as a way to securely share things like usernames and passwords outside of e-mail or IM conversations, and requires that both parties be registered Passpack users.

Inviting someone to get access to a certain log-in is fairly simple, although you have to be Passpack friends with them first. Then it's simply a matter of checking off which log-in or log-ins you want to share. This is handled in two places, both on your friends page and on each site'… Read more

The problem with password managers

SafeWallet is a new password-management app for iPhone and iPod Touch. It stores important information like credit cards, Social Security numbers, online passwords, the PIN for your ATM, software registration codes, and so on. Price: $5.99.

Like other apps of its kind (and there are many), SafeWallet offers templates to simplify the creation of new records and encryption to protect your data from prying eyes. It's a simple, effective tool that's undeniably handy to have around.

But not handy enough. See, like other apps of its kind (and there are many), SafeWallet doesn't sync with your … Read more

Five simple PC security tips

The list of PC security products never ends. For every name that drops off, two more jump on. In fact, determining the best security hardware and software is a full-time job. Sometimes, you just want to throw up your hands and take your chances.

Maybe I'm just a cockeyed optimist, but I think you can stay safe without spending all your spare time doing research, installing updates, and generally becoming a PC-security expert. Here are five relatively easy ways to improve your security.

Use the firewall that's closest at hand In the computer industry, the reputation of a … Read more