Say goodbye to password hassles. Now you can log on to your computer and your favorite Web sites with the touch of your finger, without having to remember all those passwords - simply place your finger on the receiver whenever a password or username is required.Easy-to-use software makes replacing passwords with your fingerprint a breeze. The Registration Wizard helps you register fingerprints for each user. When you first visit a site that requires a password, just touch the Fingerprint Reader with your registered finger, enter your data, and then click OK. When you browse back to that Web site, you can simply log on with your fingerprint. You can also use the Fingerprint Reader to quickly switch between Windows user accounts without closing programs and files - and each user's personal content stays personal.
1 Worked Perfect . . But It has Little problems
This is really good fingerprint reader, it is fast and it reads from the first time when you put your finger on the reader, it has 3 problems, let me explain in details,
Problem #1: Any change in web address will require to put the username and password again so you will be able to access it with your fingerprint.
Example:
http://mail.yahoo.com/?.intl=us
http://mail.yahoo.com/
Problem #2: If you have like 2 email address on yahoo, hotmail or email server. The device won't know which email do you want to access.
Problem #3: If you format your computer you have to do again assinging usernames and passwords there is no BACKUP for what you have assigned.
Hope this review will be usefull for you
2 Nice Concept/ But dont buy Microsoft
I bought this thing thinking that it would be perfect for at home security from family members and freinds. It is really good at recognizing individual print and logging into Windows. However, Microsoft has done it again. The device is made by Digital Persona.
Microsoft stuck their name on this edition and made it so it is only good for use of Microsoft products. In example, I use Mozilla FireFox and my roommate uses Opera. The device does not work for either browser. I thought it was broken. My friend suggested using it on Internet Explorer and low and behold it worked like a charm.
In conclusion, if you like IE, it works good. If you like security, don't buy it.
3 Entry level capability for an entry device
Microsoft Fingerprint Reader (DG2-00002) this product was developed by Digital Persona web site - http://www.digitalpersona.com/. They won't support the Microsoft labeled device.
My experience is that it works approximately 80-85 percent of the time on the first touch, the second touch raises the reliability to 95 percent (once it did not work at all --I had to reset my computer possibly because of other Windows software conflicts, then it worked).
In all I believe that the reliability for this inexpensive device is good.
The problems are:
The passwords you enter in with it are locked - you have no way to access your passwords for future use on another computer or if you reset-up windows (every 6 month for me).
The LED lights are always on (allows ready use) but it drains battery life on a notebook computer.
4 Absolutely Useless
This product basically is used for home users. Things it does well:
1. Pretty accurate at reading your finger.
2. Easy to install
3. Keeps track of passwords for websites (Just what we need :( another password manager)
Things it doesn't do:
1. If you are a business and want to use this as another authentication to logging in, forget it. Cant login to a domain attached computer.
2. Doens't provide any extra security, which you would think it would.
3. the LED that is used to read your finger is ALWAYS on and it's pretty annoying. You have to turn it over when you are not using it, especially in a dark environment.
For a company that is supposed to be more security aware this product from microsoft is a complete failure.
5 Precise! Hassle-free! Very convenient and easy to use!
The Microsoft Fingerprint reader is superb! It is precisely what someone like me needs badly (using the PC all the time, sitting in front of it most of the day every day, slightly varying passwords to numerous sites). With that said, I do not recommend this to someone who uses their PC on occasions, or simply does not have to put up with multiple passwords.
This device is very accurate. Scanning and registering my fingerprints was very quick and easy. I did not have trouble the first time at all, which surprised me due to a couple of complaints about mis-accuracy in the scanning; however, this is not true--scanning is incredibly simple. It's small, sleek, and it matches and compliments my desktop. It is very much compatible with numerous programs (Netscape Mail & Newsgroups, Internet Explorer, obviously, Netscape browser, G-Mail Notifier, and many online games such as C&C Generals, LOTR: Battle for Middle-earth, et cetera) and almost every site with log-in screens.
Simply put, this device is perfect. It is highly compatible, no technical problems, no complicated installation, and it's very easy to clean (simply stick a piece of Scotch-tape on the optical sensor and gently pull it off, only on occasion). Again, I highly recommend this to people have many and great uses for their PCs, along with wanting a complimentary addition to their desktops.
6 Cute, but not really necessary
I bought the Microsoft Fingerprint Reader (MFR) a few days ago and returned it today for a refund.
The device is easy to set up, and the included software is fairly simple to use and understand.
This product scans your fingerprint and automatically types in user ID's and passwords at websites you designate. However, I returned the MFR because it wasn't accurate enough to suit me. Too sporatic. Sometimes it worked flawlessly at various websites; other times I kept getting the error beep, which meant the reader didn't recognize my fingerprint.
For this to work at all, you have to place your finger on the device EXACTLY the same way each time, and even then it sometimes doesn't work on the first try. I frequently had to let MFR scan my finger 2-3 times before it was accepted and the stored info automatically typed in. Frankly, it was more efficient the old way: typing in my passwords manually.
The red beam that glows from the device is also distracting, especially in a dark room.
After experiencing these frustrations, I looked for a solution. I made sure the sensor screen was clean, and I even updated the fingerprint software by downloading a newer version from Microsoft. Didn't help. Fingerprint scanning still sporatic.
Another downside to the MFR is that Microsoft makes it clear this device should not be used to store the passwords/user ID's of websites that deal with your financial information. Apparently, MFR doesn't have enough security or encryption technology to protect your sensitive info from hackers.
7 Not a gimmick - Very useful
Pros:
software for fingerprint works flawlessly and VERY robust
Cons:
the fingerprint pad needs to cleaned (towel + water) REGULARLY or it wont sense your fingerprint anymore
8 Useless Device
I am very disappointed with this device. It is just piece of junk. It will not let to see your finger print. I want to analyze different finger prints, but no option. If you buy a printer, it should able to print, but this junk device not gives you any option. The cost of the sdk is about $1000, but I want to develop myself. I wish there was -1 star on this web site.
9 Only works with Micrsoft Internet Explorer
If you use a browser other than MSIE (as many of us do for security & feature reasons) the fingerprint reader will NOT let you log into ANY websites. Thus, unless you're a 100% Microsoft fan, the fingerprint reader is of limited value. Also had to use a specific USB port because it said the one built into my Dell keyboard wasn't supplying enough power! This is the first & only USB device that complained about my USB port.
10 A must have gadget
This little device is great, it saves me time you can't imagine.
Not only the software recognize any password field on the web but also with any application on your computer. Microsoft Persona rocks! on top of that it looks cool on your desk, and a nice conversation piece with your co-workers.
11 takes time to recognise
i really liked this device, easy install and good performance but i don't know why it takes a minute to act after using the device for some hours and i need restart to get the normal situation!!!
12 Poor software support
Although the reader itself works very quickly and does not fall for attempts to trick it using tape and silly putty, the software support for it is meager. Those of us using Firefox are out of luck as Microsoft surely has no plans on providing support for non MS browsers. Also, as other people have mentioned there is a bug with the logon functionality. You can use the reader to log onto your computer when you first turn it on, but not to regain access after a password protected screensaver locks you out.
As for making this a truly useful device, a built in password manager that just plain stores passwords would be a helpful add-on. Encryption/decryption as a shell extension (right clicking in Explorer) would be invaluable.
I have a reasonable expectation that since this was rushed to take advantage of the Christmas season and the software is only on version 1.0, the third party contracted to provide the software will improve its functionality. Otherwise I refuse to entrust IE for anything when Firefox is so much more efficient and productive.
It's worth the low price it's at now, but mostly due to the hope of better future support. If you are among the great unwashed IE users it's great for you. I plan on implementing this for PCs with multiple users since it does a reasonably good job of switching users on the fly.
13 WARNING ---> ONLY works with Windows XP !!
I read all the reviews I could find and no one mentioned that it only works with Windows XP. Found out the hard (and depressing) way when I went to install the software on my Windows 2000 PC. Can't say how it works and I don't plan on moving to XP just for this.
14 Nice idea...software a little week
I just bought this and it is a very nice idea. Didn't realize it until I got home and installed it that it would lead to a bit of work. Before installing this thing, my wife and I simply shared a single account on our computer. After installing I discovered the Fingerprint Reader would only reconize my prints. The fix was to create another user account on the computer before we could register my wife's prints and she could get to her stuff. Even when I tried the "add" feature for multiple accounts on the same web site it would use the person logged-in access info regardless of the "different" fingerprint. They designed this Reader where the person who is logged on in Windows has too much influence over the functionality and behavior of the program. I wanted something to manage our passwords and not make a system's administrator out me. It would have been nice to be able to manage this thing from within the program itself by being able to select the current user by name or fingerprints. In other words my fingerprints my web-sites...her fingerprints her web-sites without having to switch between accounts in Windows. (Some software packages allow this without having to have multiple accounts in Windows by basically acting as a password vault). For those of you who do not share a computer this device will probably do okay, though there is a bit of a problem with it letting you set up a log-on and then not being able to log-on again later. This could be the web-site itself causing the problem, but this weak software that drives the Fingerprint Reader won't even let you just delete the poor working log-on, at least I haven't found a way. I'll keep it and hope they improve the software.
15 Makes my life easier!
Excellent product. Just installed it in my office. Setup was a breeze! Some days I check the bank account, VISA, AmEx, cellular bill, 401k, stocks, etc. Those days are easier now! Only drawback so far: can't use it to log into a domain. I highly recommend this product to anyone who finds him or herself typing tons of passwords everyday.
16 Best thing since sliced bread!!!
I bought this as a Christmas present for my husband and he absolutely loved it! He said this is the most convienient tool for a computer he has ever had and say's it's very idiot proof to set up, SUPER EASY! After the initial set-up of this product, it is a very safe and secure method to access your accounts. No more typing user id's and passwords, just "fingerprint it" and, in the words of Emeril, "BAM" your there. He say's he highly recommends this product! Good job Microsoft for this technology!!!!!
17 Does not install
This product did not install on my brand new Dell. I tried plugging it into every USB port on the machine...it was never recognized. I put it right in the trash
18 Small gizmo with lots of tricks
I saw this thing at CompUSA and as a good shopper I went and did my research on line. I think this is an excellen X-Mas gift for any people who like computers and such. I got mine installed in 5 minutes. One reboot and ready to go. This gadget is easy to set up and to use. Definitely a lot of fun. Now, why didn't it get 5 stars you ask? Two things, does not appear to work well with Mozilla Firefox browser and it is not 100% secure. Right in the manual it is written that this gadget is not to be used for sensitve web sites like say your bank account. Well, all the sensitive web sites have these password rules, got to have a "-" or something in your password. Who is to remember this nonsense? I was hoping this thing would do like a super duper encryption and allow me to store passwords on like a USB flash memory drive so I can unplug it when I am on vacation or something, but nope, no such luck. Still quite a cool gadget, I can get the browse opened and be logged into Amazon just by putting my finger down on the gadget and clicking on Amazon.com account ;)
19 good but has same problem
works great but same problem with passworded screensaver. I think ms pushed this product out for the holiday season before the software was complete. I am in contact with ms support about this, since its a new issue they are researching it. Hopefully a patch will come out soon to fix this.. all in all its a cool product though, just hope they fix that little problem
20 OK, but can't handle password for screensaver
One of the main reasons I bought the reader was to eliminate the constant typing of my password when returning from a screensaver (password protected return).
For some reason, the fingerprint reader is ignored for this "locked computer" situation. The only way back in that I've found is to type the password.
And I've found no support at Microsoft or the software maker.
Everything else works fine, though.
21 Not bad for the price....
This is only great for convenience. You should still need to keep track of all your passwords in case your PC crashed or your hard drive dies. The biggest drawback I see is that this does not work with Netscape. Geez, I wonder why... It also does not work with password protected excel spreadsheets. It's great for logging into websites as long as you don't mind using Microsfot Internet Explorer. The Quicklink feature is very nice too. If you set up a quicklink to sign you into a website that requires a userid and password, this will be a great tool to have. All you have to do is let the reader read your fingerprint, at which point a menu with all your quicklinks appears on the bottom right screen and you just click on the quicklink that you want and it will automatically load IE and signs you into the designated website.
22 Excellent, accurate
This fingerprint reader from Microsoft is very accurate. Setup is very easy. To set it up, you install the software and restart, now the screen comes up. It recommends you have it read at least two fingers. It reads each finger four times. Then it is finished. Logging into website's is so easy! All you do is place your finger on the reader and it logs you in. The only downside I see is if you have multiple accounts for the same site. You can only use the reader for one account(or register a different finger as a different person), but that is negligible. For only $49, this is a great buy!
