The human brain is supposed to be able to retain a lot more information than we make it. But the Information Age is certainly testing my brain's retention of passwords, numerical codes, birthdays, anniversaries and the like. Life was so much simpler in, say, the sixth grade, where all I really needed to remember was my locker combination.
I have to remember passwords for:
• Two e-mails at work
• Two personal e-mails at home
• My voicemail system at work
• The program at work where I put in my hours worked for the week (even though I'm salaried)
• Password for online bank access
• Different passwords to pay four credit cards, the phone bill and the mortgage online
• Different passwords to access retail accounts to buy things at various online sites
• Password to access the photography forum I subscribe to
• Don't get me started on sign-on names, which are different for several of these!
Then there are just the everyday numbers:
• Social Security number (known it for years, but don't use it often to not have to think about it)
• Phone numbers (esp. those not programmed in my cell phone)
• Driver's license number
• Work number and fax to tell to other people
• Code to open up the garage at home without a key
• Combination for the lock on the double gate leading to our back yard
• Numbers I can't even remember needing until it's too late!
I need a new cell phone. Maybe more of a PDA. Yeah, that will make life *easier*!!!!!
For my work computer, I sych all my passwords when I am required to change them (every six weeks) and I have system for determining the new password since I am not allowed to use either the first or the last characters more than once (tight security eh). For all the other stuff, I try to use the same password for every instance (it's super encrypted goodness) but then I only have to remember a few. And if I forget I know it has to be one of a very small set in my brain.
However, I no longer memorize phone numbers. The only ones I know, I memorized in elementary school. :/ eek.
ain't it the truth, ain't it the truth. i have so many words and numbers on file up there most times if you asked me my phone number i'd have to stop and think about it.
I'm overloaded just reading that list! And don't tell me that you should never use the same password more than once. At work, that comment makes everyone crack up completely.
Ha!! don't forget the password to sign on and post to your blog!!
It's crazy what we're supposed to remember these days. And if you noticed, we are usually told not to write these numbers where anyone can see them. Try that!
Amen. I recently moved and the two house addresses are eerily similar and I still get mixed up. Not to mention we moved offices two months ago and will be doing so next month. So many numbers, so little time! Hmph!
It's amazing how quickly those numbers add up. I try to use the same one a lot, but sometimes it just won't work
Cas
Have a nice day and don't strain your brain.
The trick is to make all passwords the same and hide in your unlocked top desk drawer, where nobody will ever think to look.
Be like me and use the same password for everything. That could be dangerous, I know. C'est la vie.