I talk quite a bit here on the issue of security, and keeping your PC and its contents safe from invasion. Strong passwords are a big part of that security picture. But what if something happens to you, and your loved ones need access to your computer files? (registration required)
If you have information on your PC that others will need to find when you are gone, make arrangements to have those passwords available. One (albeit archaic) way is to keep a list of all your passwords in a safe-deposit box. Another is an interesting Internet service mentioned in the article, My Last E-Mail, which will deliver stored e-mails to the people of your choice after you have gone. Creepy, I know -- but there might be a value to this service.