A Look at Windows CardSpace

If you've recently upgraded to the Windows Vista Operating System, you may have stumbled across Windows CardSpace in the Control Panel. But what exactly is it? No, it's not an electronic business card like in your e-mail program. Rather, Windows CardSpace is part of a larger authentication system.

What is Windows CardSpace?

Are you familiar with the various incarnations of Windows .Net Passport, Windows Live ID, and InfoCards? Windows CardSpace is the latest generation of these tools. CardSpace works in conjunction with your Windows Live ID.

Imagine having just one user name and one password for logging into multiple Web sites. With a Windows Live ID and participating Web sites, this is possible. Most Microsoft sites accept Windows Live IDs as well as CardSpace cards. In addition, many third party Web sites such as Expedia and VeriSign are beginning to adopt this technology.

Windows CardSpace Advantages

CardSpace provides greater security and control over your information. First, you set up an InfoCard with your personal information such as name, address, and phone number and then optionally "lock" it with a single password. Locking is primarily for securing your InfoCard locally on your computer so that other users can't use it on your behalf. When you visit a participating Web site, simply choose your CardSpace card and log on. The Web site receives encrypted "tokens" and communicates with the Microsoft authentication server to verify your credentials. If you've locked your card, you'll need to enter your password.

At this point, they do not have your personal information. When the time comes, you can choose to share your information such as when making a hotel reservation. Not only do you save the hassle of having to create yet another user name and password combination, you also save time by not having to re-enter your personal information over and over.

CardSpace also allows you to verify the identity of the Web site including the name of the organization, geographic location, domain name, and other certificate information such as privacy policies and ownership changes.

Using Multiple CardSpace Cards

You can set up multiple CardSpace cards on your computer. For example, you might set up a work CardSpace card, a personal CardSpace card, and a CardSpace card for each member of your family. In addition, to cards that you create on your computer, Windows CardSpace accepts issued cards called "managed cards." These are issued by businesses and organizations such as credit or membership cards.

Windows CardSpace comes preinstalled on Windows Vista computers and is still in its early stages. To get started, simply go to the Start button and type CardSpace into your Search bar to launch Windows CardSpace. Click on Add a Card and create your first card. Once created, go to any Microsoft Live web site and log in with your CardSpace card.