If you use more than one Mac, consider going specific with your application-specific password names, like Adium (MBPro) and Adium (MBAir). Because Google lets you revoke any application-specific password at any time, you can log in and revoke access to the apps on your MacBook Air should that get stolen, without giving yourself extra work on your MacBook Pro.

Dont worry that you might be forgetting about an app or three. Youll remember that you need to generate unique application-specific passwords for those as soon as those apps start prompting you to re-enter your password.

Once youve configured all the necessary application-specific passwords, there are a few additional important steps to take. Go back to your Google profile, click again on Security, and then click to Edit your Two-step Verification settings. (Surprise! Youll get prompted to confirm your password again.)

Near the top of the screen, look for the Backup Phones setting and click on Add a Phone Number. There, you can set other phonesyour home phone, another cellas backup numbers. That way, if you lose your phone for any reason, youre not locked out of your Google accounts; you can receive your codes on the backup phones instead. (Presumably, once you did log in, youd immediately go to your settings and change your two-step verification number.)