OT: Passwords are ruining this century, just a small rant. Options

[DougC]

*&%$*! passwords, everytime I turn around I need a new password for something. It's hard for me to use just one consistantly because here at work I need like 3 and they have to change every so often. I've tried jotting them down somewhere but I usually end up loosing the note. Now, I need to ask an ebay seller a question and can't come up with the right password to log in and I've tried all the possibilities. Ebay sent me a dead link to change it, but it doesn't work. Will this remain the norm in the coming years, I hope not..but I guess I had better get more serious about keeping up with passwords until something changes. I've passed on signing up on so many sites because another password was required. It's making me crazy, can anyone else relate?

Doug C

[bperry]

I agree that passwords only keep out the honest people.

I myself refuse to change passwords on anyones's schedule but my own.
There is an easy way to defeat most systems that require frequent
password changes.
Most only track a limited number of previous passwords when
trying to ensure that your new password is not the same as one
of your old passwords. i.e. they may keep track of 3-5 previous
passwords.
So, all you need to do is change your password, then try to change
it back. If it won't allow it, change it again. Repeat this until
it finally allows you to change it back to what you originally
had.
Most systems will only track a few passwords so while its a pain
you can force your password back to what it was.

--- bill