Issue: 137
Sent: 11-11-2008 11:38:01
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RoboForm Password Manager and Form Filler
There is one thing that we all do regularly online and that is fill in forms. It is repetitive and tedious and noone enjoys doing it. However, like most things repetitive and tedious, there is a software based solution to assist you.
These packages are called form fillers or password managers.
As a website designer I spend a lot of time filling out forms. Perhaps as much as an hour a day if I were to do it manually.
So instead I use a password manager and form filler called RoboForm.
I have used RoboForm for years now and it is the one application that I use without fail every day I am online.
In a typical example, you may want to check your phone account online, or use internet banking. Without Roboform the task goes like this:
- Select your phone company website from your drop down list of bookmarks.
- Fill in your username
- Fill in your password
- Press submit
and then you are logged in. This is like walking through mud compared to using RoboForm:
- Select the profile for your phone company from the RoboForm drop down which sits in your browser toolbar.
and that's it! RoboForm takes you to the login page, fills in the form and submits it for you.
One of the longer types of form we have to complete is when you are making an online purchase. There you have to fill in your address details, telephone, credit card details, as well as perhaps choosing a new password for the site.
RoboForm can do this for you in a single click by intelligently filling in the answers to all the questions and fields on the page. You simply check the results then submit the form.
Once you have used RoboForm, filling in forms manually is like wading through waist deep mud.
Security is improved with a password manager.
The other major benefit of using a password manager is that you can improve your online security. Currently, if you manage this manually, you will use either a weak password, like your pet's name or your friend's name or even something really secure like "secret" - yes, believe me, this is a popular password. Not only do you use a weak password but you use it everywhere, your internet banking, your phone company, the gift store you visited to buy that DVD etc.
Your weak password is now stored in the databases of a whole bunch of sites and is only as safe as the site with the weakest security.
Imagine if all the locks in your house, cars, safe and post office box could all be opened by the same key. Imagine if that key could also access your bank accounts. Imagine if you lost your key or someone stole it from you. How much trouble would that cause?
This is why it is poor practice to use the same password at every site you visit.
The problem with a strong password is that it is hard to remember.
Weak password: secret39
Strong password: eTfodEvm3iD5
You won't easily remember a strong password without help. This is where RoboForm comes in. It is great at remembering which password is for which site and with one click it can generate a new and really strong password for every new site you visit.
I cannot speak more highly of this software. It is an essential tool for anyone who spends any time online and I can't recommend it enough. Another Internet veteran friend of mine recently purchased RoboForm and was angry with me for not telling him about it sooner.
So don't get angry with me, just download a free trial version here:
http://www.roboform.com/php/land.php?affid=atcau&frm=frame2
RoboForm Feature list:
RoboForm was named PC Magazine Editor's Choice, and CNET Download.com's Software of the Year.
RoboForm allows you to:
- Manage your passwords and Log In automatically.
- Fill long registration and checkout forms with one click.
- Encrypt your passwords to achieve complete security.
- Generate random passwords to maximize password strength.
- Fight Phishing by entering passwords only on matching web sites.
- Defeat Keyloggers by not using the keyboard to type passwords.
- Back up your passwords and copy them between computers.
- Synchronize passwords between computers using GoodSync.
RoboForm Password Manager is:
- Portable: RoboForm2Go runs from USB key, no install needed.
- Phone-friendly: sync your passwords to Windows Mobile and Palm.
- Universal: works with Internet Explorer, AOL/MSN, Firefox.
- IE 7 and Vista are fully supported.
This email is general in nature only and does not constitute or convey specific or professional advice. Legislation changes may occur quickly. Formal advice should be sought before acting in any of the areas discussed. Be aware that the information in these articles may become innaccurate with time. Responsibility is disclaimed for any inaccuracies, errors or omissions. Particular investments are neither invited nor recommended and hence this publication is not "financial product advice" as defined in Section 766B of the above legislation. All expressions of opinion by contributors are published on the basis that they are not to be regarded as expressing the official opinion of any other person or entity unless expressly stated. No responsibility for the accuracy of the opinions or information contained in the contributor's articles is accepted by any other person or entity. Copyright: This publication is copyright. If you wish to reproduce this article you require a license, which can be purchased here, to do so.

