TopTenReviews.com Review
May 2007Handy Password manager 4.1
Handy Password integrates seamlessly into your Internet Explorer or Firefox browser, saving logins, passwords and general data with ease. Or you can pre-fill all your information through the database located on your desktop.
The only thing keeping Handy Password from taking a higher position in this review is the lack of customer support that should come with software.
Features Set:
This program integrates itself directly to your Internet Explorer or Firefox toolbar. All passwords and information can be accessed through the toolbar, or you can open the system from your desktop and edit information. You can also save new passwords directly from the tool bar. Before logging into a new account, just press the save icon and Handy Password will file your new information for next time you visit the site.
Handy Password's manufacturer, NovaSoft, does offer a USB edition, but this feature was not integrated in to the Handy Password version we reviewed.
Ease of Use:
If you are familiar with the Windows folder and file style of database, you'll find this program simple to use. We do suggest going through the help manual if you would like to access Handy Password's more advanced features.
Handy Password suggests you first build a database of commonly use logins and passwords, but if you find that concept to be a bit overwhelming just skip that step and simply surf the Internet like usual. When you come to a website that requires login or password information Handy Password will ask you if you would like to save the information.
You may have to tweak some settings in the application to get everything to work the way you prefer, especially when using features like autosubmit.
Ease of Installation:
Make sure you close out of your Internet browser before you install this software; otherwise, Handy Password will do it for you. All Internet windows need to be closed in order for it to integrate into your toolbar. Other than that, we didn't encounter any real problems with the software.
Help/Support:
There is little customer support connected to this password management program. You will find a user guide and a "getting started" program online. Because the company is located in Russia, a telephone call could be expensive and they don't offer a toll free number. There is email support, but it took about four days for us to receive an answer. We hope in the future this turn around time is shortened to 48 hours at the absolute most.
We'd like to point out that although it took several days for Handy Password to respond to our emails this is still far better than half the password management programs we reviewed. Many programs listed farther down the rankings either ignored us completely or didn't have working email addresses.
Security:
Handy Password offers a feature where the user can choose to have passwords hidden or visible while in the card function. This program provides password encryption and an option to print your saved information. This will ensure you have your passwords even if your machine crashes.
Summary:
Overall, Handy Password is an efficient and easy to use password protection program. Since it works as both a database manager and Internet tool, it provides the user with an easy way to save sensitive information. Handy Password's major pit fall is in its customer support. If you can't find answers in the help manual then you're on your own.
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