The information technology staff at my company advised me to change my password on a regular basis for security reasons. The clever chaps have automated the system, making it impossible for me to use the same password again. So I'm now constantly updating this password and, at the same time, needing to maintain a score of others for different purposes. Is there some way to remember all these passwords and keep my sanity? Name and address supplied DQ: No subject gets people fired up like security. To keep your computer safe, a high level of paranoia is required. You must think of all possible ways that somebody could attack your system, and even then you cannot rest. However, most people demand a security solution that is easy as well as safe. There is a straightforward way to accomplish your goal but it needs forethought. Assume you have five different passwords required to access your bank account, automated teller machine (ATM), home computer, office computer and company database. It would take very little for your list of passwords to double over time. Obviously, putting your passwords in a file and encrypting that data is a good idea. That means you must remember one password for that file so you can look up the rest. But how do you encrypt that special file? Using Microsoft Word is not a good idea because the encryption could be easily broken. You could download and install a free program, such as Pretty Good Privacy ( www.pgpi.org ). This software requires a small amount of fiddling but is very secure and has been around for a long time. The other thing you can do is get software specifically designed to keep passwords secure, including Password Keeper ( www.gregorybraun.com/PassKeep.html ) for Windows-based personal computers and Password Repository ( www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/productivity_tools/passwordrepository.ht… ) for a Macintosh system. The only drawback with taking this route is you might have problems standing in front of an ATM with your notebook computer balanced on your raised knee. I have just purchased a new Hewlett-Packard TouchSmart personal computer, with the Windows Vista operating system. I have found some applications are not compatible with my old laptop. I tried transferring my address book from Plaxo but failed. I'm also unable to sync my Pocket PC. Kevin Kan, Mid-Levels DQ: As luck would have it, I got a message from Plaxo as I was looking at this question. According to Plaxo, its online address book service has been upgraded and now supports Vista. Check this out and see if it works at blog.plaxo.com/archives/2007/02/plaxo_now_suppo_1.html. As more third-party software companies bring out Vista-enabled versions of their products and services, your patience will eventually be rewarded.