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Microsoft Optical Desktop with Fingerprint Reader
Testing: Fingerprint Reader
As I mentioned earlier, for all intents and purposes the fingerprint reader is a separate piece of hardware. Drivers must first be installed to use the fingerprint security option. Insert the driver CD before plugging in the keyboard and when prompted during the driver install, insert the USB plug to activate and continue.    Once the drivers are installed, you can begin the fingerprint security fun. For starters, I simply rebooted my machine and let Windows take over. Windows instantly recognized the reader and even displayed a fingerprint reader icon in the upper left-hand corner of the login screen. Upon logging back into XP, I was prompted to register my fingerprints with the keyboard software. After scanning my fingertip four times and entering my Windows password, the software was set to recognize me as a user. During subsequent logins, I was able to simply press my finger to the reader and sign onto XP. However, in order to log on, "Fast User Switching" must be enabled within Windows XP. This allows easy user log on for multiple accounts without actually fully logging off between uses.  The fingerprint reader can also be programmed to allow users to log into e-mail and other password protected programs. For example, when a website requiring username and password is encountered, simply tap the glowing red finger pad and you will be prompted to associate your fingerprint with the login information. Upon returning simply press your finger on the reader and you'll be logged in automatically. However, I was not able to get this feature to work using Mozilla Firefox. The on screen prompt for the username and password association appeared but never would remember the login information. Using Internet Explorer I experienced no problems.  During normal use, you will also notice that the fingerprint reader continues to glow, even after you've logged in. An initial flash of red appears when a fingertip is placed on the reader while a dimmer glow remains during normal keyboard use. At times I found this slightly annoying as it tends to catch your eye, especially while working in the dark.  While it is quite handy for logging into your home machine, don't get visions of convincing the boss that this fingerprint reading keyboard is a must have for every office cubicle. Microsoft states clearly in the manual and right off the bat during the driver install that the fingerprint reader is meant as a convenience measure only. And while you can sign on to your local work machine the fingerprint reader will NOT log you onto a domain. I can think of two reasons why Microsoft wouldn't allow domain logons. One, they found it too difficult or tedious to set this application up on a domain server. Or two, it is ridiculously easy to fool this fingerprint reader Mission: Impossible-style and have your corporate trade secrets stolen by Nazis. In order to test the fingerprint reader's security features, I set to dreaming up ways I could fool the little red eye. First I tried Xeroxing my finger and holding the copy up to the red dot. That, of course, didn't work as the image was the reverse of my real fingerprint and the reader just couldn't figure out what the hell I was trying to do. It was time to go 007 on this reader. I next pressed my finger into a bottle cap full of poster putty. Using that as my mold, I then poured hot candle wax into the putty imprint and promptly stuck my rapidly solidifying finger forgery in the freezer. After a few short minutes and one melted tea light later, I had a near perfect replica of my fingerprint.  Well, perhaps not that perfect of a replica. I couldn't even get the light to register there was a finger pressing against the reader, wax or otherwise. Blast! Foiled by the machine! So I think what we can deduce from this little experiment is that Microsoft's fingerprint reader is fairly secure. That or my fingerprint forging skills are less than expert when using common household items. To be fair, the reader does a very good job of scanning and interpreting fingerprints. I even tried to cover up portions of my fingerprint with paper or a dab of poster putty. The scanner was easily able to recognize my print and log me in with about 25% of my fingerprint covered. (Ed - If you are guilty of snacking while you work, fear not - your greasy, crumb-laden finger will still be detected)
Page 1: Introduction & First Looks
Page 2: Testing: Keyboard Page 3: Testing: Fingerprint Reader Page 4: Testing: Mouse Page 5: Conclusion 
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Add Comment
10 User Comments 1 - Posted by
Dyrewolph
on November 7, 2005 - 8:58 pm teehehee nice review "bradford"!!! ;-) I didn't read it at all... I just felt like commenting :-D 2 - Posted by
Kurtis
on November 8, 2005 - 12:07 am *cough* /waves the ban stick in a circular motion and then pokes you with it. :poke: 3 - Posted by
blackjet
on November 8, 2005 - 3:38 am Nice review! The little scanner is cool! What happens if your finger print changes though, say you cut your finger? Can you over ride the fingerprint log in and enter a password instead to reset it to a different finger? 4 - Posted by
Kurtis
on November 8, 2005 - 11:25 am The way it works I believe is that you just need to know the actual PASSWORD to be able to set the fingerprint or change the fingerprint
5 - Posted by
handrail
on November 9, 2005 - 6:48 am actually, you can register all ten of your fingerprints at the start. plus, you can always log in the old fashioned way with the keyboard if you need to. once you are logged in as a user with a registered fingerprint, you can adjust your fingerprint scanner settings at any time. it just requires that you use an actual XP log on PW to keep your settings safe...not just set the PW to blank or something easy. brad. 6 - Posted by
blackjet
on November 9, 2005 - 7:48 am makes sense, its a nifty wee piece of kit. Not exactly essential, but fun none the less! :-)
7 - Posted by
IronSight
on November 9, 2005 - 5:51 pm It's a neat little thing, but I would think in someway it would eventually impair you from your computer :P Somehow...
8 - Posted by
Load
on February 16, 2006 - 1:28 pm There is no support for non-IE browsers, right?
9 - Posted by
handrail
on February 16, 2006 - 2:38 pm well, it will work with non-IE browsers just fine. you can set the various pre-programmed buttons to work with mozilla at least. when i tested it i got it to work with mozilla just fine. pretty much all of the buttons are programmable. hope that helps brad. 10 - Posted by
Rich
on March 7, 2006 - 10:00 am http://www.pcworld.com/resource/article/0,aid,1249... This is their standalone model. But it speaks volumes about Microsoft though. Add Comment To add a comment without being a member, you may omit the password field, but you must enter your name (or nickname) along with your comment. * Denotes required fields. |
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