Microsoft Fingerprint Reader

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Microsoft Fingerprint Reader

Microsoft Fingerprint Reader was a device sold by Microsoft, primarily for homes and small businesses. The underlying software providing the biometrics was developed by Digital Persona.

Fingerprint readers are more secure, reliable and convenient than a normal traditional password,[1] although they have been subject to spoofing. A fingerprint recognition system is more tightly linked to a specific user than, e.g., an access card, which can be stolen.[2]

History[edit]

First released on September 4 2004,[3] this device was supported by Windows XP and Windows Vista x86 operating systems.[4] It was discontinued shortly after Windows Vista was released.[5]

Functionality[edit]

The Fingerprint Reader's software allows the registration of up to ten fingerprints per device. Login names and passwords associated with the registered fingerprints were stored in a database on the user's computer.[6]

On presentation of an authorized fingerprint, the software passes the associated login names and passwords to compatible applications and websites, allowing login without a keyboard. If the software finds that the particular fingerprint does not match one it its database, it declines the access.

Application[edit]

64-bit Windows[edit]

The Microsoft Fingerprint Reader may be modified to work with 64-bit Windows.[7]

Firefox browser[edit]

The reader works with Firefox using the FingerFox Add-on.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Thanh Tran, Brian (2006-12-01). "Biometric Security: Are Inexpensive Biometric Devices Reliable Enough to Gain Wide-Spread Security Usage?". Inquiry.
  2. ^ Tiwari, Aditya (2016-03-27). "How Does A Fingerprint Scanner Work — The Application Of Biometrics". Inquiry.
  3. ^ Robert McMillan (2006-03-06). "Researcher Hacks Microsoft Fingerprint Reader". IDG News Service. Retrieved 2006-05-04.
  4. ^ "Microsoft Fingerprint system requirements". Retrieved 2009-06-05.
  5. ^ Slater-Robins, Max (October 20, 2015). "11 weird products that you probably didn't know Microsoft made". Business Insider. Retrieved 2018-02-14.
  6. ^ "Fingerprint Reader - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics". www.sciencedirect.com. Retrieved 2023-09-13.
  7. ^ "Microsoft Fingerprint Reader compatibility project - TeknoGods.com". teknogods.com. Retrieved 2018-05-06.

External links[edit]

WebArchive of MS Fingerprint home page