(Credit:
AceBit)
A password manager is such an essential tool nowadays, I'm surprised Apple and Microsoft don't build one into OS X and Windows.
Because, seriously, virtually everything you do on the Web requires a password: Amazon, eBay, Evernote, Facebook, Gmail, your bank, your airline, and on and on. And most people are terrible about creating and managing passwords, which is understandable because it's a pretty big hassle.
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Or not, if you use a password manager. Like this one: today only, Bits Du Jour has AceBit's Password Depot (Win) for free when you "like" both companies on Facebook. Regular price: $35.78.
Update:The Bits Du Jour site was down for a while, perhaps owing to an onslaught of traffic. It's currently operational.
Specifically, after clicking the big green "Get it for free" button, you'll need to "like" AceBit and then Bits Du Jour. With that done, you'll complete a short form (name and e-mail address), after which you'll see a Download Your Software link. Click it, then download and install Password Depot. But remember that you'll need to enter the registration code that arrives via e-mail in order to activate/unlock the program. That e-mail also has the download link, just in case.
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As I mentioned previously, I consider a password manager absolutely essential. I'm partial to Dashlane (which has a perfectly good free version available), but Password Depot looks like an extremely robust equivalent. Among its many features: dual encryption of your password database, an integrated password generator (for when you create accounts on new sites), and automatic password insertion within your browser (when you visit a site like, say, Evernote).
CNET reviewed Password Depot way back in 2009 and found it a five-star product. Obviously the current version is much newer, but at least you can get a feel for some of the basic functions.
My take: If you're not using a program like this, you should be. It's not only a huge convenience, but also a much safer way to exist online. Even if you decide you don't like Password Depot, you can consider it a toe-dip in the password-management waters. (By the way, if you want to try Dashlane instead, use this link to get six months of Dashlane Premium for free.)
Is there another password manager you'd recommend? If so, name it in the comments!
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