On-screen keyboards are useful for people who need alternate keyboard layouts frequently or people with disabilities. On-screen keyboards can also be used to thwart keyloggers. Hardware or software keyloggers can easily be installed on public computers allowing an attacker to see anything that is typed on an infected computer.
Some operating systems come with a built-in on-screen keyboard. However if you are on a public computer the application may be missing or be modified.
I created a web-based on-screen keyboard to solve this problem. This tool lets you type passwords or other sensitive information without a keylogger recording what you type. The input is obfuscated and can be copied to where ever you need it.
The keyboard can be used from anywhere with an Internet connection and a web browser. You can also download the webpage and use it offline. This isn’t foolproof, but it’s a good solution if you are wary of the computer you are currently on.
If you are paranoid you should inspect the page source before using the on-screen keyboard. I have made the page as simple as possible so it should be straightforward to inspect.
The tool can be found at keyboard.alanreed.org