Due to my feeble retention capacity, I’ve been using a password protection program app for nearly longer than computers existed.
Now many out there may use their EXCEL databases, but not everyone has it, let alone know how to exploit it. The one I use is a freebie, and has been of static format for longer than I can remember, so you don't need to keep re-learning new formats.
The program is Password Safe and "normally" it’s a great way to register all your passwords, especially with the modern trend to make them more complex for security reasons… it’s getting harder and harder to use the same password globally, and even if you make it 128 characters long that no one could ever break… there will be at least one site that won’t let you use it.
Anyway that’s not what I’m on about. I found that the program was ideal to store other details in individual databases like,
Private sites like banks, Insurance, Utilities, massage parlour etc. where critical information is stored.
VISA(s), credit/debit cards (for that often quick reference while surfing a tool site).
General internet sites (suppliers/vendors) where non critical information is stored.
My home network devices, LAN, NAS, Wi-Fi passwords etc…
Registered problems (set up much like my Products).
Order tracking.
But all that is ho-hum as I also use it as an owned/purchased Product database. While this database covers software, hardware, car and camera, I will concentrate on the registering of all my worthwhile tools.
It will comes in handy for tracking or redeeming warranty purposes and the chances are you will NOT be lucky enough to NOT get burgled in the near future… Insurance…do you have all your receipts?
This is my Product database presentation,
listing each item by category.
Opening up an item, I use the userid field to record the part number and the password for the serial number. Naturally you can organise to your preferences as it is just a simple database with field names for recommended content (remember it’s designed for passwords).
There is plenty of space for all incidentals and looking at this entry,
I can see that my Fe$tool VAC-SYS's warranty has expired.
I chose to use the URL field,
to point to the vendors order (more useful during warranty period)
and on the next screen, the “Run Cmd” field, I point to the appropriate manual,
for locating/quick access,
I always download a digital version or scan the original if unavailable.
On the main display the two details can be fast tracked using these two buttons,
It has a few extra features, however, again, this is not a review but a hint in keeping track of you precious(es).
If your first cut is too short... Take the second cut from the longer end... LBD
Interesting info Ducky. I use an app called 1Password and am very happy with it. It’s a bit more compact than the one you posted, but does have pretty complete functions for different types of password needs. And it’s on my phone so no need for a full computer to use it. 👍🏼
Ryan/// ~sigh~ I blew up another bowl. Moke told me "I made the inside bigger than the outside".
Organization like that takes real effort to get started, but can pay off big when you need it.
Something I've put off for years, but still have a data base approach somewhere 🧐
Mainly for insurance, I have photos along with the deets like value/cost, accessories, identifiers, etc. Problem comes when there is some aspect that has not been previously considered and had space allocated for.
Also the typical entropy of software formats. Really just have to keep it minimalist and such that you can just dump the files and read the data directly if the creating program goes FUBAR.
And now, we have yet another reason: the new IRS requirement for on-line sales platforms like eBay and Craig's List to report sales over $600.
If we can't prove that we paid $250 for that drill set, and sell it at a loss on line for $100, then the entire $250 is treated as income.
I know that in the future, I will need to dispose of my entire shop, and online will be the simplest way. I am collecting what paperwork I can locate and organizing it into a file folder. For the older stuff, trying to guess dates and prices; at least there will be a document.
That's the easy way out.... what if something (may the gods forbid) happens that prevents one from making the pilgrimage to the workshop... permanently?
On SWMBO's insistence I've costed aged care for grumpy old men... and it ain't cheap.
If your first cut is too short... Take the second cut from the longer end... LBD
