Nov 17 2008
Microsoft’s Biometric Fingerprint Readers
An extremely handy way to protect and save all of your usernames and passwords is with one of Microsoft’s Biometric Fingerprint Readers. The Biometrics store your fingerprint scans into the system that are individually unique to you and only you. Anywhere you want to store a login screen, simply tap on the scanner and enter the information into the dialog box. From then on, all you have to do is press the glass fingerprint reader to logon automatically with no need to enter names and passwords.
Microsoft currently offers 3 different types of Biometric Readers, a standalone USB device, a Reader with Mouse combo and a Keyboard with the Fingerprint Reader embedded that also comes with a Wireless Mouse. You can see the specifications, reviews and pricing from Amazon by visiting this link.
I personally think this is one of the greatest computer items on the market and I would be lost without my Biometrics device. There are a few things you should be aware of first before purchasing. Microsoft has only released drivers for 32 Bit Windows, so if you are using 64 Bit Vista then these devices will not work. Secondly, the Readers work flawlessly with Internet Explorer, but Firefox users will have troubles. There is an extension called Fingerfox for the Mozilla browser but it is very quirky. They are still fabulous devices and I look forward to new Biometric Fingerprint Readers down the road.
To bad the fingerprint isn’t encrypted between the scanner and the computer. Makes it really easy to steal, but by all means enjoy the biometrics