Regarding the issue of passwords and registration on multiple sites,
that's exactly what Microsoft Passport aims to solve: you authenticate
once with a single username and password (username being your email
address), and then you're automatically authenticated across the entire
system. When you come to a site that uses Passport, guess what? You're
already logged in. You'll be able to selectively allow sites to access
various levels of information. Shopping at an online book store? They
can have your name, address, and credit card information. Going to your
bank web site? They can also have your credit history, tax information,
etc. Going in for a dentists appointment? They can have access to your
name, address, public calendar to schedule appointments, credit card
information for billing, and even your insurance company for immediate
filling of claims.

Passport is new and very unproven (security is the primary concern for
most people), but the theory is rock solid. People may complain about
Microsoft and it's “monopoly”, but they're trying to create something
that will truly make the online experience more consumer friendly. Sure,
they'll find a way to make money off it – they're a business after all -
but what have AOL, Sun, Netscape, Oracle or the other anti-Microsoft
companies done lately to improve the online experience for consumers?
Nothing. [Jason Dunn]