Verifi P2000 Fingerprint reader mini-review
Posted: Wed Nov 20, 2013 7:06 pm
I keep my home workstation locked when not in use - I don't want anyone using my PC except me. I have lots of computers in the house for everyone else. However, it is a pain in the arse to have to log into my PC all the time.
I decided I wanted a fingerprint scanner, and I did a lot of research to find a good reliable one. I have bad memories of that first, cheap plastic Microsoft fingerprint reader from several years back.
Ended up ordering the Verifi P2000 Premium from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Verifi-P2000-Prem ... B005VF62KG
I just installed it tonight, but I have locked my computer a dozen times as a test, and the reader has never failed to unlock. Just for giggles I tried fingers that I haven't authenticated yet (you can authenticate as many of your fingers as you want - thumbs included) and none of them work.
The unit is made of medal and VERY sturdy and heavy, plus it has rubber feet so there's little opportunity for it to slide around.
I realize this is not as secure as a password - fingerprint readers CAN be fooled - but I'm not worried about the NSA or a Russian hacker getting into my house. I just want to prevent casual use of my PC, without the hassle of constantly typing my long password.
Some of the earlier units (according to the reviews) didn't come with any software, but mine did, and with better instructions than the earlier ones. Installation was simple: install the software, install the driver (I opted not to install the trial version of Roboform) and plug the unit into a USB port. Then go to the Windows Control Panel, click on or use the search box to find the "Biometric Devices" icon that is now available in the full Control Panel, then click "Manage your fingerprint data". You are then prompted to scan each finger you want to use 3 times to register it. Very simple.
I decided I wanted a fingerprint scanner, and I did a lot of research to find a good reliable one. I have bad memories of that first, cheap plastic Microsoft fingerprint reader from several years back.
Ended up ordering the Verifi P2000 Premium from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Verifi-P2000-Prem ... B005VF62KG
I just installed it tonight, but I have locked my computer a dozen times as a test, and the reader has never failed to unlock. Just for giggles I tried fingers that I haven't authenticated yet (you can authenticate as many of your fingers as you want - thumbs included) and none of them work.
The unit is made of medal and VERY sturdy and heavy, plus it has rubber feet so there's little opportunity for it to slide around.
I realize this is not as secure as a password - fingerprint readers CAN be fooled - but I'm not worried about the NSA or a Russian hacker getting into my house. I just want to prevent casual use of my PC, without the hassle of constantly typing my long password.
Some of the earlier units (according to the reviews) didn't come with any software, but mine did, and with better instructions than the earlier ones. Installation was simple: install the software, install the driver (I opted not to install the trial version of Roboform) and plug the unit into a USB port. Then go to the Windows Control Panel, click on or use the search box to find the "Biometric Devices" icon that is now available in the full Control Panel, then click "Manage your fingerprint data". You are then prompted to scan each finger you want to use 3 times to register it. Very simple.
