...uk vouchers available I decided to buy another gadget for my ever growing collection of useless gadgets! This time, as the review would suggest, a Microsoft Fingerprint Reader, at £23 a great deal from Amazon!
Packaging and Appearance
The MS Fingerprint reader comes nicely heat sealed ... Read review
Advantages: No more passwords, cheap, compact, very accurate Disadvantages: No Firefox Support
...the review would suggest, a Microsoft Fingerprint Reader, at £23 a great deal from Amazon!
Packaging and Appearance
The MS Fingerprint reader comes nicely heat sealed easy to open container. Inside is the bare minimum with simply the reader, an instruction manual and an installation CD. Its all very neatly packages and because of this fits through the letterbox nicely, meaning you don't have to worry about sitting up ... ...a bit of thought by Microsoft there is relatively little instructions you have to read from the instruction manual. On the USB connector there is a very clear green label telling you to NOT put to plug in the reader before you have installed the software.
The software is really nice, and one of the things I love about it, is the fact it is completely integrated into Windows XP - I hate when things look different!
Having a few extra Amazon.co.uk vouchers available I decided to buy another gadget for my ever growing collection of useless gadgets! This time, as the review would suggest, a Microsoft Fingerprint Reader, at £23 a great deal from Amazon!
Packaging and Appearance
The MS Fingerprint reader comes nicely heat sealed easy to open container. Inside is the bare minimum with simply the reader, an instruction manual and an installation CD. Its all very neatly packages and because of this fits through the letterbox nicely, meaning you don't have to worry about sitting up waiting for your delivery!
Websites can be very deceiving and the actual reader is about the same size in length as your pointing finger. The actual "reading" part is a comfortable oval shape, and will be the right size for 99% of people whether you hands are big or small. When you plug it into your USB port it gives off a wonderful red glow, which gets brighter when you place you finger on it.
Installation
Installation is really simple, and thanks to a bit of thought by Microsoft there is relatively little instructions you have to read from the instruction manual. On the USB connector there is a very clear green label telling you to NOT put to plug in the reader before you have installed the software.
The software is really nice, and one of the things I love about it, is the fact it is completely integrated into Windows XP - I hate when things look different!
The software is installed in a matter of minutes, after which a restart is required. Once restarted you have the ability to register every single one of your fingers, and yes I did spent a very long time doing that!
Simply click on the finger you are going to get the reader to scan in the "wizard" and it will ask you to scan you finger 4 times, it was rather cool as I got to see my finger print on the computer for the first time!
Once you've done one, or indeed all your fingers, you can start registering passwords within the reader. As soon as you install the software Windows XP becomes automatically registered to your finger. 99% of sites on the internet with a login box can now be "registered" with the fingerprint reader, in a really easy and convenient way. When you get to a page that you haven't registered with the reader yet, push your finger down on the reader and a pop-up box will appear asking you to type your username and password in for the site. There are also other options including if a website has the "Remind me" feature you can tell the reader to turn it on or turn it off before logging you in! Reliability and accuracy
The reader is extremely reliable and accurate, probably 90% of the time you click the reader it will accept your finger, the other 10% it may be because it's slightly dirty or because you simply didn't put your full finger print down (or there is something on your finger!)
A little test I did earlier today with my middle index finger, I pressed the reader 10 times in a row, each time turning the reader around slightly, and to my amazement it acknowledged and accepted my fingerprint every time.
Other Features and Annoyances
The reader can remember almost every password field on the internet, as well as MSN, Windows XP and probably many more! Sadly though it is NOT compatible with Firefox, which I am sure will annoy some of you greatly. Especially when you here that the company that makes the software has similar software that can support Firefox (sense some Microsoft foul play here!)
It is reasonably easy to change passwords on a website once you have registered them with the reader, by clicking on an icon that appears in the top bar along with the "Minimize" "Maximize" and "Close" buttons. This though does not always appear and can be very annoying, especially in Windows Media player, where I accidentally typed my password wrong and can't change it!
The reader is very good and on average takes between 1 and 2 seconds to accept or deny your finger, sometimes even faster, but a firm push of your finger against the reader is required, otherwise it simply will not register the fact your finger is in it.
The USB cable is not fantastically long, I would have preferred an extra metre to get to the other side of my monitor, but as it is it already has about 1.5 metres of cable, so I suppose I shouldn't complain too much.
The reader does seem to have this annoying flicker when its not in use, I assume its scanning for fingers on it, but it can get really very irritating!
So far it has been very durable, and it certainly looks and feels durable when you touch it, the "reading" part is very tough, I believe it is glass coated with some kind of plastic protection. To clean it you use cello tape since most other methods can scratch or damage the surface.
It can cater for multiple users on the same computer as well, very useful in a family situation as the finger print will automatically log you onto your desired settings. Sadly multiple users can not be used inside one "user". This means that only your finger will work in your profile for your passwords. Nobody else can use it to access their passwords etc. I did feel the software is rather basic in some respects, while in others is very advanced. The installation is magnificent but I have yet to find an easy way to edit and delete passwords without having to visit the webpage and manually delete it that way.
Some other nifty features include the little sound it makes when it accepts or denies your finger (it can be turned of though) and the little icon that it shows up when your finger is accepted or denied (again it can be turned off, although I kind of like it!)
Conclusion
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who has loads of forum passwords etc - it even works on Ciao you'll be pleased to know!
There are minor niggles with it some more significant to those who use non-Internet Explorer browsers. Another would be the odd disclaimer in the installation telling you not to use this product for security purposes but only for your own "convenience".
The red glow is great but can get annoying as it flickers, it does look especially cool though when you place your finger on it and it lights up.
The main thing is its reliable, you don't have to place your finger in a perfect position each time, nor do you need to press it hundreds of time before it will even recognise your finger.
The final thing is that it's cheap! At £23 you won't find anything of such good quality around.
Advantages: no passwords to remember Disadvantages: no passwords - in microsoft applications only
...up the ante in security, Microsoft brought out their version of a fingerprint reader for Windows. It's marketed as the ultimate solution to having to remember an unending list of passwords to your computer and the internet's various sites you may have to log on to.
However, if you only use Microsoft's Internet Explorer for surfing the internet, then you are alright. If you are one of the many people who use Firefox, Netscape or Opera as an alternative ... ...it worked perfectly - translation, Microsoft is trying to promote their software, but since I cannot use it where I need to, I may as well leave it there as a novel new piece of hardware to impress my friends.
It also works on MSN Messenger Live and (surprisingly) Yahoo Messenger.
Evaluation:
It's a nice piece of hardware to experiment with in biometrics and just how secure fingerprint scanners can be, but on the box, it says that very important ...
sting_of_the_scorpion 24.02.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Microsoft Fingerprint Reader
Advantages: Excellent idea, Cheap Disadvantages: Causes your system to slow down
-What is it?-
This is a relatively new product to be released onto the market by Microsoft, with the sole purpose of making it easier to maintain security on your home PC, i.e. it remembers all your passwords and usernames for you
What it allows you to do is to log onto your home computer and your favourite websites in a matter of seconds simply by scanning your finger. I have to admit when I first looked at this on the internet, I immediately ... ...a load of rubbish however, I found a few positive reviews and having to try out all the latest computer gadgets I decided to get one.
-How to install it-
Before installation, if you are planning to log onto Windows using the reader you first need to make sure that the 'Welcome screen' is enabled. (If when you start your computer you are faced with a list of all the different users and to log onto Windows you simply click on one of them, then this ...
ampuk2000 26.06.2005
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Microsoft Fingerprint Reader
Advantages: Reliable, fast, easy to use, works with IE/FF, accurate identification. Disadvantages: No 64 bit support; works only with XP/Vista
The hardware piece is well designed, rugged and works very nice. The software that comes in the package is very easy to use.
The installation procedure is very straightforward: insert the CD in the drive, click the Next button a couple of times, plug the fingerprint reader, restart the computer.
The day-by-day usage is also very simple, since the program interface is very intuitive: on a logon screen, touch the reader, select the fields, fill them ... ...popup up balloons telling you what to do next, so there isn't need to even check the manual: after some tries you become completely familiar with the software.
With all this easiness, after a week you just can't stand typing your passwords anymore on logon screen or websites.
The worst con about the product is now over: the reader does work with Mozilla Firefox web browser. All you must do is just installing an add-on, available at http://www.fingerauth.com.
...
jsmith2005 14.06.2007 (16.06.2007)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Microsoft Fingerprint Reader
Advantages: Saves having to remember various passwords Disadvantages: Can be tricky to set up when using Firefox explorer
...I use Firefox instead of Microsoft Internet Explorer, I had to add a extra program to firefox to get the reader to work properly.
The item is well built, easy to set up and after initial probs with Firefox, a pleasure to use.
This can be picked up for a reasonable cost now, if shopping about and is without a doubt worth the money both for the practical application it has and the feel good factor if your a gadget lover like myself. ...
The-Entertainment-King 20.09.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful Review of Microsoft Fingerprint Reader
Advantages: Need never enter another password again Disadvantages: Can be a bit pricey
This is possibly the greatest gadget I have ever bought. At first when I bought it, with the wireless optical mouse option, I was quite skeptical that it could do all that it said on the box, but I was wrong.
To begin with though, there is quite abit to do, like registering your fingerprints, your password associated with each site, but when all of that is out of the way it was an absolute dream come through. All you have to do is press your finger ... ...and you are given instant access to your site/ email account.
This product is a must for anyone like me with multiple password, email addresses or users on the home PC. This product removes the need to remember any password again. It makes it easier to surf the net and ensures that only you are able to access your information or your details.
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I bought my one online at Ebuyer.com for £37. ...
schatzie 17.02.2006 (19.02.2006)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful Review of Microsoft Fingerprint Reader
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Advantages: Fingerprint reader, shortcut keys, design, wireless mouse. Disadvantages: Keyboard is not wireless.
Fantastic, Fantastic, Fantastic!
Does exactly what it says on the tin. Another great product from Microsoft, now with fingerprint recognition.
No more do you have to worry about the kids using the computer while you are out, with the built-in fingerprint they won't get far!
Comes with the software required for the reader to function correctly.
The reader is so handy, no longer do you have to enter your log-in deatils time and time again, simply load up the log in page for a particular site, press the fingerprintreader, fill in the deatils on screen, and there you have it! Next time you wish to log into that particular site, simply load it up, press the reader and you're logged in! It stores your details for each site securely on your computer and you have to log-in to amend/view these details which adds to the security that ...
Advantages: Built in fingerprint reader, tons of shortcut key, comfy! Disadvantages: Mouse is pretty standard for a wireless optical mouse
the parts, but fortunately for us, it turned out to be alot easier than you would expect. As a side note I would greatly advise that anyone looking into buying a computer, to do it that way, even if your not a computer genius, as it really is very straight forward and works out tons cheaper!
When it came to the basics like keyboard and mouse I wasn't particularly bothered about which I got, but after seeing the options available, like fingerprint scanners I soon weeded out the ones that just would not do! Eventually I was left with Microsoft's Optical Desktop with fingerprintreader (Manufacturer's part code: BZ5-00006)
~~~~~Installation~~~~~
Extremely easy to install, you just plug the USB cables in and it does pretty much everything else for you. Follow the on screen instructions and you'll have no problems!
Ooh! one thing I should ...
Advantages: 16" Widescreen, Blue-ray, media controls, good battery life Disadvantages: One word - VISTA
* 2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
* 16" HD Widescreen display
* 3gig Memory
* 250gig Hard Drive
* Blue-ray reader/DVD RW/DVD/CD
* 5.1 surround sound
* HDMI output
* Media controls
* Fingerprint scanner
* Microsoft Vista
How it performs I've had the system about 6 weeks now and have to say I'm incredibly impressed with the hardware.
It looks great, is a little lighter than my previous Dell (despite the larger size) and feels very sturdy.
The Core 2 and large memory give great performance and despite running numerous packages at once (internet, mail, office, image manipulation, msn, etc) it never seems to struggle or slow at all (even when I decided to add my entire music collection from external drive and pop it straight into iTunes while doing everything else).
Personal opinions At first I thought the off ...
