What is KeePass?
KeePass is a free open source password manager, which helps you to manage your passwords in a secure way. All your passwords are in one database, which is locked with one master key or a key file. You only have to remember one single master password or select the key file to unlock the whole database. The database is encrypted using the best and most secure encryption algorithms currently known (AES and Twofish).
One big advantage is KeePass can be kept on a USB thumbnail drive so it can be transported from one computer to another…even a public computer. No information is stored outside of the KeePass directory or in the registry.
Another advantage is KeePass is free. Just go to the KeePass download page and choose either the classic or professional version.
The professional version is not as portable as the classic version since it relies on having .NET framework, a free download from Microsoft, installed. Most Windows computers have it installed and Windows 7 will have it included. So if you want true portability now, use KeePass classic.
Security
One thing to keep in mind is that the default KeePass uses auto-typing which is not safe from keyloggers. If you are worried about keyloggers on your computer, KeePass professional can help. There is a checkbox (under the Auto-Type tab in the Entry’s window) called Two-channel auto-type obfuscation. Just check the box and KeePass will do the rest.
Use
Using KeePass is easy; just start it up and create a database. Then click on Add Entry and fill in the title, user name, password, and URL of where you want to automatically fill in. If you want to enable two-channel auto-type obfuscation, click on the Auto-Type tab and check the box.
Highlight the entry you want to auto fill in, the ctrl-U (opens browser to the page) then ctrl-V (auto-types the login and password).
Note to use KeePass you must login to it with a master password, a key file, or a Windows user account.
There is a tutorial on the website. A forum is available if you are really stuck.
