Can the biometric reader interface w/ Win XP nicely?

[DentdHalo]

Im curious about the biometric reader on the new T42p's.

How well does it integrate with Windows XP.

For example, can Windows XP use the biometric finger print scanner in leu of a domain logon password, or a local system account password?

What about using the IBM provided software for web page based login passwords, say to my online banking?

Or is the IBM fingerprint scanner only good for when the box first starts up before it loads any particular OS.

Which makes me want to ask if there is any support for that scanner and software for other operating systems, such as various open source distributions of linux/bsd.

Can it replace my smart card reader/cards?

I guess the question simply is how extensive can you make use of the new biometric feature.

[BillMorrow]

Im curious about the biometric reader on the new T42p's.

How well does it integrate with Windows XP.

For example, can Windows XP use the biometric finger print scanner in leu of a domain logon password, or a local system account password?

integrates with XP..? very well..

domain..? AFAIK no..

local system..? yes..

What about using the IBM provided software for web page based login passwords, say to my online banking?

nope..
more below..

Or is the IBM fingerprint scanner only good for when the box first starts up before it loads any particular OS.

yes, but i only set up the windows logon..
more below..

Which makes me want to ask if there is any support for that scanner and software for other operating systems, such as various open source distributions of linux/bsd.

not sure but i don't think so..
yet..

Can it replace my smart card reader/cards?

nope..
any third party apps must supply this functionality..

I guess the question simply is how extensive can you make use of the new biometric feature.

well, more than just the windows logon..
for instance:
power on and HDD security..
screen saver password..

[rjm1135]

There's a flash presentation here

http://www.pc.ibm.com/us/security/index.html

that gives some info.

In the section "IBM offers the most secure industry-standard PC" click on "IBM Integrated Fingerprint Reader"

Rob.