The Keychain allows you to safely store your passwords so you don't have to type them in repeatedly. A new keychain can be created simply by opening Keychain Access in your Control Panels folder. After you have created and unlocked your keychain, applications that know how to work with the Keychain can begin using it. For more information, open the Keychain Access control panel, then look in the Help menu.
Security Issues
The Keychain stores your passwords as securely as possible, using 128-bit encryption technology. However, you should be aware that while your keychain is unlocked, your passwords are available to any application running on your machine. If your computer is left unattended and your keychain is unlocked, anyone who has access to your system can potentially access your passwords. To prevent this from happening, be sure to set your keychain to lock automatically. As always, you should be careful not to allow unauthorized applications on your system. If there is any information that is of an extremely sensitive nature, you should consider not adding the associated password to your keychain.
System Requirements
The Keychain is designed to work on Mac OS–compatible computers with a PowerPC microprocessor. Mac OS 8.5 or later is also required.
Known Incompatibilities and Limitations
AppleShare version 3.8 or later is required in order to store AppleShare passwords in your keychain via the Chooser. AppleShare version 3.8.3 or later is required if you access the server using an alias.
IMPORTANT: If the "Add to Keychain" checkbox in the AppleShare login dialog is dimmed when connecting to an AppleShare IP server, the server is not configured to allow users to save passwords for automatic login. (This setting is now turned off by default in AppleShare IP's Web & File Admin application.) Contact the server's administrator for more information.
The Keychain does not support multiple keychain files with the same name. If you would like to use a keychain that has the same name as an existing keychain, you must first remove the duplicate keychain from the Keychains folder. The Keychains folder is located in the Preferences Folder, inside the System Folder.
Apple, the Apple logo, AppleScript, Mac, Macintosh, and Power Macintosh, are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. PowerPC is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation, used under license therefrom. All other product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Mention of non-Apple products is for information purposes and constitutes neither an endorsement nor a recommendation. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance, or use of these products.
