Windows Card Space

[rthompson80819]

Does anybody use Windows Card Space in control panel? I've looked at it several times but never used it.

 Frankly, it kind of scares me somehow.  Seems like it could be a security problem.

[Salmon Trout]

This is the XP forum. Cardspace is only installed by default on Vista and later.

[mroilfield]

This is the XP forum. Cardspace is only installed by default on Vista and later.

I have windows card space on XP machine so are you suggesting that this should be in a different forum?

[Salmon Trout]

I since discovered that Cardspace is available as a download for XP users.

[soybean]

Does anybody use Windows Card Space in control panel? I've looked at it several times but never used it.

 Frankly, it kind of scares me somehow.  Seems like it could be a security problem.

I've never used it but, if it caused any security problem, that would be the opposite result of what it's intended for.  Here's a very detailed explanation of it, for anyone who's interested: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa480189.aspx.  Without having read the entire article yet, I think I get the basic gist of it, but I'm not yet convinced to start using it. 

[rthompson80819]

I've got XP and have never specifically downloaded Card Space.  It must have come with one of the updates.

I read a few things about it before I posted and understand the intent but have never seen it in use.

[soybean]

When you consider that the article at the link I posted was written in April 2006, 3 1/2 years ago, and that we've seen almost no questions about CardSpace here in the forum, I'm inclined to think CardSpace simply has not gotten much acceptance from Internet users.

As I understand it, CardSpace is about reducing the need to manage a large number of usernames and passwords.  But, it also means entrusting your security with numerous websites to Microsoft, who controls CardSpace.  That does not appeal to me.  One reason I prefer the Firefox browser over Internet Explorer is that Firefox has better, more flexible password management.  So, I think I'll pass on CardSpace.

[evilfantasy]

Adding to soybean's posts...

It was installed through Windows Updates a while back. Likely came with .Net 3.0 or 3.5 as its part of that package. 
XP - KB 925720 - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/925720
Vista - KB 971744 - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971744

What Is Windows CardSpace? http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/cardspace/default.mspx

Uninstall it? .Net can make any 3rd party application based on .Net fail to work. If you don't use it, then its API doesnt run and start the Windows CardSpace service, but you can disable its service in Services, although its set to manual by default.