KeePass: Keeping Your Passwords Safe and Secure ... and Easily Accessible The Three-Part Test for Quality Freeware Adam Stone
But what about the three-part test?
KeePass works reliably and consistently. This is partly due to the bare-bones simplicity of the tool. It's a lightweight application with a minimal graphic interface and few bells and whistles. It grabs no more memory than it needs to operate, and for those with a tinkering inclination, the open-source nature of the software makes it possible to peek inside at any time to ensure that all is running smoothly.
As for the installation process, it is not only quick and easy, but also potentially non-existent. That is, users have two download options. First, the traditional option: Download the .exe and set up the application from there. Alternately, one can download the binary .zip package, which contains only the main executable. This allows the application to run without the user having to go through further installation steps.
Before considering the final question, "Do you really need it?," it is worth first considering the competitive landscape.
One alternate offering is Password Manager XP. For about $25 this application offers the same range of features, plus an interesting extra. Users can choose their own encryption algorithms, making it possible to apply several different encryption algorithms at one time. Is there such a thing as tighter than tight?
Another option is Password Saver, $30 for the personal version or $40 for the business edition. This program provides export/import features designed especially for corporate users and small- to mid-size teams, allowing users to easily and securely share passwords with co-workers. Sounds great if you need it, but, um, doesn't sharing passwords kind of defeat the purpose?
Then there's the popular RoboForm, a $30 app that not only manages all of your passwords but also integrates with your Web browser, automatically filling in Web logins and forms for you. It's hard to compete against an app that streamlines and automates the password management and operation process so efficiently.
In any case, KeePass is hardly the only player on the market. On the plus side, it's free and is open source, which advocates will say makes it probable that advances and improvements will come speedily and often.
Back to item #3: Do you need it? In this case the criteria are security and productivity. Will you be more productive if your passwords are gathered in a single, easy-to-access place? Will you feel more secure knowing that lost or forgotten passwords can always be recovered?
If so, KeePass provides an easy and elegant solution, and one that is simple to install, use, and manage.
Pros: Freeware (open source), reliable, easy to use
Cons: Lacks some functionality found in for-fee products, doesn't offer the Web browser integration capabilities of an app like RoboForm
