Q: I have user IDs and passwords for more than two dozen online accounts. I can remember the login information for accounts I use all the time, but I forget how to get into ones I rarely use. I'd like to be able to store the information online and have it accessible whether I'm using a computer or my Android phone. Any suggestions?
A: I'm with you - it's becoming too hard to remember all of the IDs and passwords that accumulate when using online media, social networking, banking and shopping. What you need is a service like Master Lock Vault (masterlockvault.com) or LastPass (lastpass.com), both of which are mobile friendly. Master Lock Vault is for storing confidential data, including IDs and passwords. There's a mobile-optimized version of the site, and free apps are available for Android phones and iPhones. The best part is the Master Lock Vault is free.
LastPass is free for computer users and costs $1 per month for use with smart phones (the apps are free). It lets you set a master password that can save the IDs and passwords for all your accounts. Why is that great? Because with LastPass, you can log in to your accounts with a single mouse click.
Q: Urgent question: My husband needs a cell phone service provider that is totally reliable. He's on the list for a liver transplant and when his doctor calls, the call MUST go through. We currently use Tracfone and found out that on occasion, a call will go directly to his voice mail instead of ringing. This is unacceptable. What would you recommend for a new phone and service provider?
A: When calls go straight to voice mail, it's usually because the phone is outside of the service area, or the signal is too weak to receive the call. The phone itself could have reception issues, but that's more unlikely. Tracfone, a leading purveyor of prepaid mobile phone service, uses the networks of multiple carriers including AT&T and Verizon. Different model phones use different networks. So contact Tracfone and find out which carrier you've got, so you'll know which one to avoid.
Short of trying every wireless carrier, there's no sure-fire way to determine which one provides the strongest signal where you live. Carriers offer coverage maps on their websites, which is great if you trust them. Alternatively, a couple of websites, cellreception.com and rootmetrics.com, can give you a fair idea of how well each of the big carriers covers your area.
The best approach may be to ask your neighbors which carrier they use, and how they like it. If the guy next door gets good reception from Verizon, for instance, it's a safe bet you would, too.
Q: I am a longtime user of Quicken for the Mac. I understand that Apple's OS X 10.7 will not run Quicken, which Intuit apparently has no plans to update. Do you know of any personal finance software that could replace Quicken and meet my needs, which include tracking my spending and investments?
A: You are correct, older versions of Quicken for Mac won't work on OS X 10.7 (Lion). You could get the new Quicken Essentials for Mac, which is compatible with the new operating system, but it may not suffice. As Intuit says about it, "Our Quicken Mac 2007 and earlier users should note that this product was rebuilt from the ground up, so some of the features you've grown used to may not be included." While good for tracking the family budget, it may not meet your needs as an investment tool.
That seems to be the trend among personal finance software - great for budgeting, not so much for investment tracking. But don't take my word for it - popular programs that you can try before you buy include YNAB (You Need a Budget) from ynab.com, Moneydance from moneydance.com and MoneyWell from nothirst.com.
In the end, you may find that for managing your budget and investments, you're better off with an online service like Intuit's Mint.com or Buxfer.com. Like everything else, money management is rising to the cloud.
Oh, MobileMe: After last week's item on tracking down missing or stolen smart phones, several readers pointed out that Find My iPhone is no longer connected to Apple's MobileMe subscription service. Find My iPhone is a free app that can locate your iPhone. You also can display a message on the phone with information for returning it to you; lock it remotely; and even erase personal data from it. And by the way, MobileMe is transitioning to iCloud, Apple's upcoming Web-based storage and access service.
This article appeared on page D - 1 of the San Francisco Chronicle
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