On the spot Passwords:

What do you do when you are asked to select a Password on the spot? Over the phone, in person or on the internet. You are never ready to do that are you? Even though it will be a temporary Password that you will immediately change when you log on, you do need the temporary Password in order to log on and change it.

Let me suggest a strategy that will help you overcome this problem forever. Especially on the internet.

Think of your favorite word, or make one up, with at least two syllables (you must be able to remember it). To demonstrate I will choose the word "pavement". It has two syllables "pave" "ment". Once you are happy with your chosen word, this will be the only Password that you will need for all the above occasions.

Some institutions require numbers and symbols to be part of your Password. This is difficult on the spot because how are you going to remember your Password? especially if you are away from your computer for a time.

Now, you can use your "Word" and here is how to do it.

• Choose the last two digits from a year, current, previous or next year (always use the one you choose otherwise things get complicated)
• Choose a symbol or two @ , #, % etc. That is all you will need.

Now you can construct your Password in your head. Remember the syllables? Put your year and your symbol(s) between the syllables. "pave08#ment". There is your temporary Password. Remember to change it when you log on.

For permanent Passwords, particularly for web sites where you have an account and there is no option that allows you to spend your money, you can construct a Passcode using the web site name or the name of the organization or just insert part of the site name between the syllables. For example:-

• Microsoft example = paveMment or PaveMment or pave08M@ment etc
• American Express example = paveAEment or PaveAEment or pave#06AE&ment etc

You can add numbers and symbols at your discretion. If you decide to always use the same sequence then there is no need to write them down but, if you use the current year for instance, then how do you remember it if you do not access the site for three years?

You can add what you put in between the syllables on the end of the site name in your favorites list or on your email folder for that organization, to remind you:-

e.g. Microsoft 08M@ then you put your syllables either side of it and you're in.

You can modify all of this to suit your own strategy and way of thinking.

I hope this has been of some help to you, and remember; do not divulge your Passwords to others and especially not your Passcode's or Access Codes. Become possessive about them. Cheers.