Favorite Mac Apps: 1Password

Manage log-ins in the main application

This is the first in a series of posts covering a number of my favorite applications and utilities for the Mac. Some of them you may have heard of, others you may not. All are part of my regular computing experience and I can’t imagine working without them.

One of my all-time favorites is an application/browser plug-in called 1Password by AgileWebSolutions. The application allows you to store all of your different log-ins and passwords in one place and then access them all with one master password (hence, 1Password). The included browser plug-in puts a 1P button in your browser bar and allows you to automatically enter your username and password for any site. No more remembering all those different passwords and user names.

Not only does 1Password help you remember less, it can also help you be more secure. The program includes a strong password generator that you can access from the 1P button in your browser. Any time you sign up for a user account at a new site, you can use it to generate a totally different (and probably seriously more secure) password for you. It will then allow you to save your new login and password for that site for later easy access. This is a huge help in an age where digital security is becoming more important. Now if someone gets one of your passwords, they don’t have access to your entire online world.

Login to websites or shop online with ease via the 1P browser button

Another great feature is the ability to store credit card info in the program’s “wallet” (all stored securely and accessible only by entering your master password). This makes online shopping so much easier. Just choose the desired credit card from the 1P menu and all the needed information is automatically filled in for you. No more running to the other room to grab your wallet to double check your card number or security code on the back. Just click and go.

1Password also allows you to store software licenses in its database. No more typing (or often mistyping) those long license codes if you need to reinstall software. Even after a hard drive crash, as long as you use a service like DropBox or MobileMe to back up your 1Password keychain file, reinstalling applications is much easier.

I use 1Password every day and can’t imagine the internet without it. The application allows you to sync your keychain file between multiple computers using DropBox. And their companion iPhone/iPod touch application allows you to sync your info to your mobile device so you can take the info with you. A single user license is $39.95 and a family license is $69.95. I’ve been using it for a year-and-a-half and it is totally worth it. I’ll be upgrading to the family license soon so my wife can enjoy the 1P goodness too. 1Password requires OSX 10.5.8 or later and has been updated for compatibility with Snow Leopard.

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