Write what their for and the number on a text document.

dmtofree

I usually just e-mail myself the software key. then make the subject what program it goes to. That way in gmail all I have to do is search for final cut studio, and both FCS 1 and 2 software licenses show up.

TragicDog

Well, this won't work with downloadable apps, but I used to print out all my serials on clear address labels and stick them onto the CD/DVD that the software came on. This was really helpful at a time when if you lost the disc, you were screwed anyway.

MrGlass

I use 1password to store all of my software licenses. As well as passwords and so on. Quickly becoming one of my favorite mac applications.

The only thing it is missing at this point is the ability to upload files. Recently some apps require files to activate.

Bret37

Wow, that's something I had forgotten about my Windows days... software serial numbers are a pest. In Linux my software is a couple clicks away, no serials involved.

Alejandro

i just add a note (or whatever its called) in keychain...

hipersons

Again, this is better than the Keychain how?

robdew

via mail: @Quick Reference folder/tag

Most developers of downloadable programs send a serial in an email after receiving payment, so I copy/tag the email with @Reference. (I setup my mail to have a GTD structure and empty Inbox.)

I try storing loose info like this into Keychain because it gives me a way to keep the info for years. Stick with a single method.

floatinglist

This will only be useful to me if I can easily move the db file from one Mac to another. As I always lose my serial no's when I move to a new Mac!

pixelkid

I usually e-mail them to myself and then also file them in SplashID.

I got addicted to SplashID back when I was a palm user, but I've maintained the PC version because it's so goshdarn convenient.

TsuKata

1password user here!

bduenskie

I use gmail plus a label for keys. Easy search and if I lose a drive they're all still there.

Honus

Next, someone should develop specialized software that maintains a list of all the different software you are using to store different kinds of data. This will be very useful to those people who use one program to store passwords, one to store serial numbers, one to store contacts, one to store financial information, etc. etc.

But for those of us who manage to somehow keep complex information in things called "text files", it won't really be needed.

If it needs to be encrypted, use some general encryption software.

djnrempel

Using open-source software means never having to track a serial number. :)

HeartBurnKid

Simple,
[messagevault.org]
Too much?

Turis

KeepassX instead. Open source, cross platform, free.

glitch1138

i love 1password too, they are even developing an online backup and access system that looks very promising

i've tried rapidoserial and really hate how it pushes ads down your throat every time you quit

Gonzie

Yup, a text file.
I also keep an installers folder on my hard drive and rip my most important software onto there.

jordan314

serials.txt. It never fails me.

beelers

[www.pizzacracks.com] tracks your serials for you too.

Aanidaani

Gmail. BOOM.

Either I already have it (sent from the developer) or I just send it to myself. Search is your friend.

Evan R.Thompson

Yea, Gmail is great. It's always handy that way.

Quine

Google Notebook?

mbierman

I use a .txt file as well. But I also print it out, its stupid just to keep it on your computer and nowhere else. Online systems can fail too.

For an added twist you can fold up the paper and put it in a CD case and write SERIALS on it with a big black sharpie marker. And if you dont feel like wasting paper, just write out any new ones you get on that same sheet, no need to print one every time you get a new piece of software, silly humans.

Empyrean

I use SplashID on my Mac and have been for years. Their license is cross-platform so it can be migrated easily if necessary. I've been trying 1Passwd and I like it but I want it to sync onto my Palm Treo the way SplashID does (its editable on both your desktop AND your Palm - get up to speed 1Passwd!).

mattone

Many of the licenses I've gotten have been written on web sites, so I print them as PDFs and save them to Documents/Licenses/ .

alxndr

I use both serials.txt and gmail.

Advantages:
- Platform independent, can access from Linux or Windows
- Serials.txt not dependent on internet connection
- Gmail - password protected and remotely backed up and will probably be with me for the rest of my natural life.
- one less program in the old add/remove software list.

djnrempel

1password =)

withoutink

Since most programs are downloaded now anyway, I have a specific folder which is on a mirrored external hard drive simply called Applications. I then have a corresponding Applications.TXT file.

I write down the application name, serial number, any other applicable registration info, all in the Text file.

It's completely portable no matter where I go--brand new installs can still read text files.

I burn this to DVD backup regularly as well (about every other month).

I mean, a key does you no good if you don't have the EXE or MSI to go with it, so why not store both in a safe place?

arniec

Yojimbo from Bare Bones software is where I keep mine.

numbersix

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned eWallet yet. I have that on my PC and PDA and use that for all my Windows and WM6 program serials and on top of that it has a URL section which I have hotlinks to the CAB file straight from the manufacturer :)

wyssaj01

Comment on RapidoSerial Tracks Software Serial Numbers I use a database, the best simplest one there is. MobileDB for the Palm OS. this way if anything happens to software i can get the serial numbers back from a different device. and you can build the database fields yourself. I use it for lots of simple DB's, wine tasting, flight hours logging, frequent user/flier/ hotels/cars etc, and its always with me on my phone. wish someone would build this for the iPhone. sadly Mobile DB isnt supported any more, I guess the Palm ecconomy failed them. oh well.... it works for me.

LeaGiraffe

I use Notational Velocity to store serialz, random membership details, insurance policy numbers, anything really. It's clever, quick and free (OS X).

[notational.net]

ihatemornings

Spreadsheets are great for data like this.

MS Office, Open Office, Neo Office... whatever.

Many options to secure it as well; you can password protect your spreadsheet (not very secure) or do like I do and add store everything software related in an encrypted archive (e.g., 7-Zip).

This method also allows you to print your web receipts and/or scanned receipts and add them to the archive as well. Email it to yourself as a backup.

Especially useful for types like me who use Windows and Mac on a daily basis.

thorazine

A nice low-tech method is to send yourself an email with a distinctive subject line, like "SOFTSERIAL: ". Then if you need to find it later on you can just search your email for that keyword.

despair