This fingerprint reader will provide a higher level of security as well as convenience, because users will not have to remember passwords nor key in their user names, the companies said. Toshiba's PC Card Fingerprint Reader will be made of Identix's DFR-300 optical fingerprint reader and BioLogon security software. When you press of the side of the card where it's installed, it slides out. You place your finger on it, and then it slides back into the casing. The fingerprint reader scans the finger image and matches it against the previously authenticated identification.
Users can start their computers only if the fingerprint is authenticated.
The Toshiba PC Card Fingerprint Reader supports multi-user environments where a number of users can store their user names and passwords on a single mobile computer, which can be accessed by authenticating their fingerprints. Once the computer is up and running, the BioLogon software stores user names and passwords in a password bank. Users can log on to a Windows NT or Windows 2000 server as well as the local operating system and program it to release information. Identix is working to make the product compatible with other operating systems. Typically, when you add security to a system, it makes the system harder to use.