If you’ve used any web apps recently, you probably noticed an option to log into your favorite sites using OpenID. OpenID provides users with a single login and password for accessing a variety of sites, alleviating you from the need to track a multitude of usernames and passwords for different services.
OpenID simply replaces a website’s standard login with it’s own. As an example, Twitterfeed users will click on “Login”, enter their OpenID URL, something like: http://username.openid.com/ (URL depends on the OpenID provider you choose) and you will be taken to that OpenID site to complete the login process. So, instead of memorizing many passwords, you only need to remember one.
So, how do you get an OpenID? There are many providers, and you may even already have one if you are a user of Blogger, WordPress.com, Yahoo, AOL or many more. Alternatively, you can set up your own OpenID at any provider – lists of providers can be found here and here. I personally use MyOpenID. I like the settings options that allow me to control the level of authentication needed. It even has a phone authorization feature which when set will actually call your phone to approve a site login. Another very cool option allows you to use your own domain as an OpenID identity. You can check a comparison of service features here. If you are interested in the technical end of OpenID – Wikipedia’s article on the subject is very detailed.
In summary, if you are tired of maintaining password lists, give OpenID a try!
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