Derrick
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This fingerprint reader provides an unusual combination of benefits: it makes logging into secure sites simpler and more convenient, and improves the level of digital security.
Biometrics uses computer technology to identify people based on physical or behavioural characteristics, such as fingerprints or voice scans. The “bio” in the name refers to the physiological traits that are measured, while “metrics” refers to the quantitative analysis that provides a positive identification of a unique individual.
Biometrics devices, such as palm-print readers and retinal scanners, are often seen in films and on TV and many new notebooks sport a fingerprint reader, used as an alternative logon method to the traditional username/ password method.
This particular product differs from notebook fingerprint devices in two major ways. Firstly, it’s a discreet, separate unit that connects via USB, and can therefore be used with any PC system, though it is best suited to a desktop configuration. Secondly, unlike fingerprint readers that require you to slide your finger over two ceramic sensors, the Microsoft Fingerprint Reader has a small scanner that one merely presses a finger against, so it is easier to use.
This device completely took me by surprise. I was expecting some degree of hassle, not so much in terms of installation, but rather in switching over to a biometrics access method.
Installation was, as expected, a matter of a few minutes, followed by a quick read through the basic instructions. Thereafter, a few minutes of playing around with the device quickly yielded full familiarity. Once I started using it though, my view of digital security was transformed.
Naturally, the first application for the Fingerprint Reader was to replace the Windows logon screen. When I arrive at my PC at the office each day, I merely place my left index finger on the pad for a second, and Windows loads.
Nevertheless, this is not the sum of its functionality: I can also configure logons for Websites that I frequently access. Thus, now when I want to check my Facebook account, for example, I point my browser at it and then place my finger on the scanner.
This little device has had a peculiar psychological effect on me: I now get a distinct ‘sci-fi’ feeling whenever I log into anything and am almost expecting a synthetic female voice announcing, “Access granted.”
My only criticism: the unit’s compact and light, which is great, but it feels like it’s about to blow away in the breeze. In other words, a bit more weight to set it firmly on the desktop would not be amiss.
Other than that, this is an amazingly convenient little device. Furthermore, it raises the security level of a system, as passwords typed on a keyboard are far more likely to be intercepted in some manner, such as key-logger spyware or by good old-fashioned surreptitious observation.
Biometrics uses computer technology to identify people based on physical or behavioural characteristics, such as fingerprints or voice scans. The “bio” in the name refers to the physiological traits that are measured, while “metrics” refers to the quantitative analysis that provides a positive identification of a unique individual.
Biometrics devices, such as palm-print readers and retinal scanners, are often seen in films and on TV and many new notebooks sport a fingerprint reader, used as an alternative logon method to the traditional username/ password method.
This particular product differs from notebook fingerprint devices in two major ways. Firstly, it’s a discreet, separate unit that connects via USB, and can therefore be used with any PC system, though it is best suited to a desktop configuration. Secondly, unlike fingerprint readers that require you to slide your finger over two ceramic sensors, the Microsoft Fingerprint Reader has a small scanner that one merely presses a finger against, so it is easier to use.
This device completely took me by surprise. I was expecting some degree of hassle, not so much in terms of installation, but rather in switching over to a biometrics access method.
Installation was, as expected, a matter of a few minutes, followed by a quick read through the basic instructions. Thereafter, a few minutes of playing around with the device quickly yielded full familiarity. Once I started using it though, my view of digital security was transformed.
Naturally, the first application for the Fingerprint Reader was to replace the Windows logon screen. When I arrive at my PC at the office each day, I merely place my left index finger on the pad for a second, and Windows loads.
Nevertheless, this is not the sum of its functionality: I can also configure logons for Websites that I frequently access. Thus, now when I want to check my Facebook account, for example, I point my browser at it and then place my finger on the scanner.
This little device has had a peculiar psychological effect on me: I now get a distinct ‘sci-fi’ feeling whenever I log into anything and am almost expecting a synthetic female voice announcing, “Access granted.”
My only criticism: the unit’s compact and light, which is great, but it feels like it’s about to blow away in the breeze. In other words, a bit more weight to set it firmly on the desktop would not be amiss.
Other than that, this is an amazingly convenient little device. Furthermore, it raises the security level of a system, as passwords typed on a keyboard are far more likely to be intercepted in some manner, such as key-logger spyware or by good old-fashioned surreptitious observation.