Client Security Software Fingerprint Login Question

[rubbish84]

I have just registered my fingerprints in my T61 for the first time as I will be using it for travel soon.

I have some questions about the Client Security Solution Software being used in Windows XP.

1. Is the software a drain on the system resources at all? If it is,
is there any way to use fingerprint login using windows
xp software.
2. I have notice that using the software has disabled the
standard windows xp log in screen for the older ctrl alt
delete method. Is there any way to use the windows
login screen instead without disabling fingerprint logon?
3. I also noticed there is an option to not show the option to
login with a windows password to bypass fingerprint login.
If I allow this, does it comprimise my security in any way.
For me it seems to make sense to have this as a fail safe,
But, I'm happy to hear opinions on the security of doing so.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

[bri]

1. CSC and Fingerprint Software are separate applications. CSC is more of a higher level "portal" to other apps (like fingerprint software) than adding other functions. Furthermore it removes the ability to use "fast user switching," which gives you the Welcome login screen where you can select a user name. I uninstalled CSC and left Fingerprint Software which now handles my Windows login using the Welcome screen.

2. You can set different login methods under the Advanced tab of CSC, or if it has been uninstalled, the Logon tab of Fingerprint Software.

3. Allowing password login presents the same issues as any password login, pick a strong enough password that you're happy with. Practically speaking, if you disable password and there is any malfunction with the fingerprint reader, you're screwt.

[rubbish84]

I thought the fingerprint software was the CSS. Now after playing with it for a bit I realize they're different.

I don't, however, see how to use the fingerprint login with the normal windows login.

Can you please explain what I need to do to have that?

Thanks,

[bri]

Getting to the menu may be different depending on what version of CSS or Fingerprint Software you're using, but you need to get to the menu I mentioned in #2. On my T60 using CSS 6, click Advanced in the menu bar, Change Logon Settings, then I have the middle option Enable Fingerprint Logon Interface without Fast user switching support. This gives you the logon screen you're looking for: fingerprint authentication with option to do ctrl-alt-del. What you currently have set may be the first option, I don't know what that looks like I haven't used it.

On my X61 I have Fingerprint Software 5.6.1 only (no CSS) and set it for Fast User Switching. The menu is under Settings, System Settings, Logon Tab. I think the top option Fingerprint Logon with Allow to bypass logon using Windows pw checked and Do not show ctrl-alt-del unchecked will do the same thing as what you're looking for.

[rubbish84]

Thanks so much for your response.

That's the options I have been looking at.

I have v 5.6.2 of the fingerprint software and I checked on Lenovo's website and it seems to be the most up to date.

These are the options I see

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z86/ ... tled-1.jpg

I don't seem to see any that would allow the standard windows login screen.

I've tried the standard windows login option and it doesn't allow a fingerprint login.

Please let me know what you suggest.

MOD EDIT: Please read the rules on displaying images.

[bri]

Is this just an issue of appearance or is there another reason you want to have the standard windows logon screen (like there are other options available)? As it looks to me, if set up the way shown in your image it should do what you want: log in via fingerprint or allow password via ctrl-alt-del. I am not certain, but I think that the standard windows logon screen does not support fingerprints and that is why Fingerprint Software replaces it with its own screen if you choose that option.

[rubbish84]

It's not really just looks, although I do prefer the windows login screen.
It's more a matter of convenience.
When shutting down/restarting I find it much easier to select which I want with one click as opposed to using the pull down menu and selecting.
But, if I can't do it with the fingerprint, it's more important for me to have the security.

Thanks for you help.

[bri]

Sorry but I'm really confused now. What does shutting down have to do with the logon screen? When you're at the point you want to shut down I assume you are way past logging in and using the system.

[rubbish84]

It has nothing to do with logging in.

It's windows settings that change when you use that login method.

When you go to shut down, it doesn't show the typical 3 button window. It's in the syle of windows nt or 95. See image below.

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z86/ ... ed-1-1.jpg

It doesn't seem to be possible to avoid this if I want the security of fingerprint login. It's definately a price I'm willing to pay.

Thanks for your help anyways.

MOD EDIT: Please read the rules on displaying images.

[bri]

oh so the shutdown screen changes when the logon screen is changed. I know that when the Fast User Switching logon is used, the shutdown screen you get has the three buttons: Standby, Shutdown, Restart. I haven't tried using any of the other logon options to see their shutdown screen because the Thinkpad software always tries to disable Fast User Switching and I didn't want to get locked out of using that option again.

I guess you have to choose between the option of using ctrl-alt-del to enter password (Fingerprint Logon option) and having the three-button shutdown screen (Fast User Switching option). Won't be able to have both at the same time.