The Keychain system in OS X is the perfect solution for this problem. It's encrypted, but the key isn't stored in plaintext on the system. Instead it (by default) uses the same password as the user and the keychain unlocks automatically when they log in. Alternatively, the user can create a different keychain with a different password which they need to enter when the password for AIM or whatever is requested. This is what I do, and it's a rather well-designed system. The only caveat is that the various pieces of software need to use it.
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It's not optimal by any measure, but the Windows version of 1Password is very well-behaved via Wine.
I'm a bit surprised that there isn't a plugin or for that.
The Keychain system in OS X is the perfect solution for this problem. It's encrypted, but the key isn't stored in plaintext on the system. Instead it (by default) uses the same password as the user and the keychain unlocks automatically when they log in. Alternatively, the user can create a different keychain with a different password which they need to enter when the password for AIM or whatever is requested. This is what I do, and it's a rather well-designed system. The only caveat is that the various pieces of software need to use it.
I wish I could mod this to 6!
You don't want to know how many iMac G5's I've had to repair due to bad capacitors.
Okay, I'll give you a hint: I live and work in the same town as the single largest installed base of Macs in the USA.
One of the best IT people I ever worked with was a Nancy. She really knew her stuff!