Do you choose the “remember my password” option when signing into online accounts? The trouble is, eventually your computer will prompt you to re-enter the information, and by the time that happens, the password might be a distant memory.

Luckily, programs can decode those indecipherable asterisks. The Web site Sound Money Tips suggests these:

¢ Revelation 2.0. It converts asterisks back into real text on Windows machines. Get it at www.snadboy.com. Cost: Free, but donations are appreciated.

¢ Aqua Deskexperience 1.3. This application is designed to help retrieve forgotten passwords. However, it also has several others features, including password protection and advanced screen capture. It works only on computers with Windows 2000, XP and 2003. Get it at www.deskperience.com/aqua/ password-revealer.html. Cost: Under $15.

¢ Password Revealer. It works on machines with Windows 95, 98, ME, NY and XP. Get it at www.newfreedownloads.com/Windows-Utilities/ System-Utilities/Password-Revealer.html. Cost: Under $20.