With all the Web 2.0 websites come more and more usernames and passwords to remember every time we register. I spoke of OpenID not too long ago and many have accepted them, not knowing what else is out there. OpenID is a creative solution to this growing problem but That is for sites that take OpenID logins, but most don’t.

There are desktop software solutions like Roboform (PC) or 1Passwd (Mac), but they will not help you when you’re away from your main computer, and they don’t stop hackers and other people from stealing your password when it’s transmitted to the site (Yet). What do you do?

Vidoop has come up with an appealing way to both the juggling password problem and the security problem with a solution that uses visual cues instead of passwords. They have taken their technology and now offer it in a free package they call MyVidoop.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcmY8Pk-qEk[/youtube]

MyVidoop is basically an OpenID provider, so if you already have OpenID, you are all set! Like I mentioned, most sites don’t support OpenID so MyVidoop offers a Firefox plugin (IE support promised) that lets you store your passwords either on MyVidoop’s servers or in an encrypted file on your computer. The plugin, when activated, will offer to auto-fill the site login fields when you visit the page again. It is pretty simple.

Logging in to MyVidoop uses a secure feature called “Vidoop Secure.” When you register, instead of picking a password you pick three visual categories that you keep secret and the registration process walks you through. The pictures change each time, so if “cars” is your category you probably won’t see the same car the next time.

I like the idea of Vidoop/MyVidoop and it shows some promise towards combining usernames and passwords we have to remember. It’s not perfect yet. Sometimes it can be difficult to make out whether or not the picture is in your category. I chose “Tech” and sometimes even that was difficult.

If you’re worried about someone snooping on you when you enter your passwords, or you like the idea of managing OpenID trusted sites, then MyVidoop is definitely worth considering. I think I’ll continue to use Roboform and 1Passwd though.

Having used many form fillers, it was easy to pick the best for both Windows and Mac. Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari, etc. all have OK built in form filling features, but nothing compared to RoboForm and a new kid on the block–1Passwd.

When you are registered to as many sites I am, it is a little hard to remember all the passwords. Not to mention, retyping all that information (When purchasing something or registering for a new site) over and over can be tiring annoying. RoboForm has helped me control that problem by storing all the site profiles in a secure file that I then access with one password.

What about Mac users? They can’t use RoboForm. That is where 1Passwd comes into play. 1Passwd gives you instructions on how to get all your data out from RoboForm (If you use RoboForm) so the Mac password manager can have all that information already. Instead of giving you a choice to fill and submit like in RoboForm, 1Passwd just fills and submits. You can do just the fill action if you want by holding down the option key when selecting your profile, though.

One thing I love about 1Passwd is the icon on the toolbar. The icon indicates if your 1Passwd is unlocked or locked. A very nice feature to know if you’ll be prompted for your master password or not the next time you need to use 1Passwd. Another cool feature is the three level bar next to your profile name. The more likely the profile matches the site you are at, the more any of these three bars turn green. Pretty neat.

1Passwd isn’t just about passwords. It also helps you avoid phishing scams. You know, those e-mails stating that your PayPal account needs an update and you have to log in and then you realize you just gave some Nigerian hacker your bank information by accident…Oops. 1Passwd will help avoid those mistakes from occurring to you. The user profile for your name and address information works pretty well, though I did find a few sites that it didn’t fill in my name at all. I would imagine this is because of the difference in the way the form was made on each site.

1Passwd is a great program. If you have a Mac and looking for a program that keeps track of all your password and automatically fill them in when you visit a site, then this is a great program for you!

Price of the program is $29.95, get it at 1Passwd

Filling out web forms is never fun, and remembering all your passwords isn’t always easy. RoboForm takes care of both these issues. This software allows you to save and encrypt passwords, keep notes secure, and makes signing up for anything online so much faster.

Using it is fairly simple. Upon installation, you’ll be asked to enter a master password, which you can do at any time. This will be important for keeping the information RoboForm stores secure. If you want RoboForm to remember your login information for various websites, all you have to do is sign into the site normally and click “save” when RoboForm prompts you with the Passcard dialogue. To set RoboForm up to fill out forms, you must input your information to create an Identity. In addition to performing these tasks, RoboForm will encrypt your passwords and keep confidential information secure.

RoboForm is useful for anyone who hates repeatedly inputting information online and doesn’t want to have their browser store it. It is especially useful for people who regularly sign up for paid survey sites, and is actually recommended to them. Plus, its portable, so it can be taken with you from computer to computer. Anyone who wants to keep their passwords and information secure should give RoboForm a go.

RoboForm is available for free and the Pro version is available for $29.95. Get it at www.roboform.com.

For mac users: check out 1Passwd