- Microsoft Fingerprint Reader
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Microsoft Fingerprint Reader was a device that was sold by Microsoft primarily targeted at home and small business users which is currently discontinued. The underlying software providing the biometrics was developed by Digital Persona. First released on September 4, 2004[1], the device requires Windows XP or Windows Vista x86 to run[2].
Contents
Functionality
Users could register any finger up to ten since the software has the capability to store all ten fingers for a single user. Login names and passwords associated with the registered finger prints are stored in a database located in the user's computer. When needed, the software interactively sends the login names and passwords to compatible applications and websites, which can be used to perform the login operation automatically.
Application
Such a device could be useful in a public environment, where it may prevent others from seeing passwords from being keyed in. However it is more of a convenience than a being a true access control system.
Driver Support
Currently only x86 (32-bit) support for Windows XP and Vista exist.
Microsoft support site states there is no support for Windows 7.
However, there is a published workaround, which involves using ORCA to modify the installer package in such a way that it no longer is recognized by the application compatibility assistant.
These instructions are available here:
http://www.blogfeld.com/2009/10/microsoft-fingerprint-reader-windows-7.html
Firefox Browser Support
The reader works with Firefox using the FingerFox Add-on.
See also
References
- ^ Robert McMillan (2006-03-06). "Researcher Hacks Microsoft Fingerprint Reader". IDG News Service. http://www.pcworld.com/resource/article/0,aid,124978,pg,1,RSS,RSS,00.asp. Retrieved 2006-05-04.
- ^ "Microsoft Fingerprint system requirements". http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/support/fingerprintreader.mspx. Retrieved 2009-06-05.
External links
Categories:- Microsoft hardware
- Biometrics
- Computer access control
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