Can anyone recommend good password management software?

[Ron Obvious]

In the wake of this latest SSL security hole, I'll be changing all my passwords next week and I might as well bite the bullet and use a password manager because I can't really keep up any more (see cartoon below)

Requirements:

Preferably free and open source
Runs on Windows
Easy to use
Must allow logins from multiple computers, but I do NOT want anything cloud or server-based! I want all files local. This would presumably mean sharing a master password file.
Must be flexible wrt different password parameters, e.g. some servers don't allow punctuation or spaces, others require them.
Store PIN codes as well.

I've never used one, so I'm open to all suggestions.

Thanks in advance!

[TreasonousBastard]

1. I just have a secret file in a secret cloud box...

with everything important in it.

My favorite browser, Opera, has the "Wand" which holds encrypted passwords and "Unite" which allows all of my computers to share them. By now other browsers have caught up, I'm sure.

[Ron Obvious]

6. I'm an Opera user too

I'll look into it. Thanks.

[hlthe2b]

2. I use one on my Win laptop with a mobile "mate"--for iphone or android

I've been very happy with it. Not free, but not expensive, either--and they MAINTAIN it with updates (which I think is WORTH the money):
Ascendo Data Vault:

http://www.ascendo-inc.com/DataVault.html

[Ron Obvious]

7. I'll check it out!

I don't mind a small charge. Thanks!

[JazzFanInTX]

3. Keepass: free, open source

I am very happy with keepass. www.keepass.info

Nice user interface, and does not contain any questionable "improve your shopping experience" bloatware as some password programs do. It's just a password program and that's it - no baloney.

It is open source, which in my opinion makes it more secure, as anybody who understands the source code can examine it to verify that there's no shenanigans going on.

[PuppyBismark]

4. Yes, Keepass is Great!!!!

Been using it for a few years, could not live without it and it works on many platforms. Easy to move encrypted data file to other computers, so you can use it where you need to.

[Ron Obvious]

8. I think someone here has mentioned that one before

That sounds pretty close to what I'm looking for. Thanks!

[Duer 157099]

11. Wait... what?

KeePass 1.27 released
2014-04-06 13:25. Read More »

KeePass 2.25 released
2014-02-03 15:09. Read More »

KeePass 2.24 released
2013-11-03 14:03. Read More »

KeePass 2.23 released
2013-07-20 13:26. Read More »

[moondust]

19. The 2+ version is the "Pro" version.

Both are free.

Editions Comparison

After several hours of trying different options that work on both a PC and Android and keep the two in sync over WiFi, I ended up with Keepass. Don't know yet if I'll keep it.

[JazzFanInTX]

20. Keepass versions

Here is a comparison of Keepass versions. More information can be found on the development status page.

Edit: I see moondust beat me to it.

[Duer 157099]

22. I know... just was pointing out that it was weird to have a v.1 released after a v.2

that is all

[lumberjack_jeff]

12. Agreed. n/t

[Xithras]

14. I use KeePass Portable.

It doesn't require installation on your computer. I have a small USB drive on my keychain, with KeePass Portable in a subfolder, so I can open it up and read my passwords on any computer with an available USB port. The encryption is solid as well, so even if the drive is lost and someone else gets the files, they won't be able to decrypt my passwords.

I have to admit that I've been thinking about switching to LastPass though. Having a mobile-friendly interface to my passwords would be great.

[Ron Obvious]

25. I like that idea!

I can put truecrypt portable on the same USB stick. I don't use smart phones or tablets anyway, so that would work for me.

[energumen]

34. keypass

And I use drop box to keep the file synchronized between multiple devices, windows and android

[enlightenment]

5. I was just reading about LastPass

They have a free version - but their premium version, which was rated the editors pick at PC Magazine, is only $12 annually.

Free version review:
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2426798,00.asp

Premium version review:
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2426845,00.asp

[Ron Obvious]

9. Sounds good...

... but I'm not sure about recurring charges. I'd rather pay a single sum up front.

Thanks for the suggestion.

[enlightenment]

13. Apparently, the free version is very good also.

But there seem to be quite a variety of managers out there.

Hope you find one that works best for you (I'm looking, also, so I can commiserate!)

[frazzled]

10. I bought a little black spiral address book

with alphabetical tabs, and just write every user name and password down in pencil so that I can erase it if I change passwords. It works best for me.

[adirondacker]

15. I think I'm going to be the last one carrying around a dayrunner. Call me a curmudgeon, but I never

lose it, and it's been a lifesaver when a system has crashed, batteries died, or when I'm out of cell/internet coverage.

[frazzled]

16. Hey, I'm on your side

Writing things down on a real calendar helps me remember. And I've got enough crap (both work and play) to do on my computer. I like keeping a gridded calendar on the wall next to my desk. I just glance over, no windows/apps/etc. to open. It's just old habit, but it works for me.

[adirondacker]

17. I carry around paper maps for the same reason. It's easier to get a bearing and also helps you think

spatially of where you are. I admit to using a GPS, but still like an atlas in the car.

[Ron Obvious]

23. I'd probably lose it...

I'm absent-minded at the best of times. You should see me searching the house in a panic every morning trying to find my keys, my wallet and my phone.

I put them in the same place every night for a while and then forget to. Rinse, lather and repeat. Nothing's worked.

For some reason, I'm very organised on a computer, though.

[SidDithers]

18. Just tell me all your passwords...

I can manage them for you.

Sid

[Ron Obvious]

24. That's mighty generous of you!

I'll get right on that!

[quinnox]

21. Roboform is a good one

But they jacked up the price and made it yearly. I have the old version, where you don't have to pay a yearly "subscription". That said, it is the best one I have used, and I have experimented with most of them.

[Ron Obvious]

26. Would that old version still be available for download?

Thanks.

[quinnox]

28. I just looked, and they have a Roboform desktop version 7

and you only have to pay once for it. So I was wrong, they still have that available. And you can still download the previous version, version 6, if you don't like version 7.

http://www.roboform.com/php/pums/rfprepay.php?lic=default_alt&lang=en

Click on "show more license options" and you will see the desktop version 7.

And here is the FAQ page that talks about the different versions, and has a link to version 6. That is the one I use. But I think you have to buy version 7 first, before going back to version 6 (if you don't like version 7, but that is a matter of taste). (It probably is best to stick with the newest version too, because version 6 isn't compatible with many modern browsers.)

http://www.roboform.com/support/faq#faq_upgrading

[quinnox]

29. Kicking because I added new info to my post

[Ron Obvious]

30. Thanks for looking into it!

This looks pretty close to what I need.

[quinnox]

32. no problemo, it was something I was very familiar with

[Keefer]

27. Dashlane is what I use.

Not sure if it works with Opera though.

[Ron Obvious]

31. Hadn't heard of that one before.

Thanks!

[WillowTree]

35. Very good and very secure.

[Proud Liberal Dem]

33. Dashlane and Last Pass are ones that I've used recently

both have "premium" versions but the free versions of both provide all of the basic functionality that you need and both are compatible with most current browsers. Dashlane won't work on Chrome, however, if you're on a Chrome Book as it requires a PC installation (for some reason) but Last Pass works fine either way.