In the job that I do, I log in and out of web sites, applications, and other services requiring me to pass user credentials numerous times per day.  Not all of these web sites, applications, and services have 'remember me' functionality.  So when I heard about this product from Microsoft, I was skeptical, but thought -- if it really works, it would save me a ton of time.

So I ordered the Microsoft Keyboard, with wireless mouse.  I'm happy to say that it works flawlessly.  I will explain the whole process.  Installing the keyboard is as simple as plugging the USB cable into the back of the computer, and installing the mouse receiver unit's USB cable to the back of the computer.  I was a little confused as to why the mouse receiver can't be integrated into the keyboard, but I guess we can't have it all now.

The first step after installing the hardware is to install the DigitalPersona software.  This
is the software that is tied to the fingerprint reader, stores fingerprint profiles, and allows
you to manage your application and website fingerprint profiles.

Once the software is installed, you are required to enter your windows password.  Once you enter your valid NT password that matches the current NT profile, the software prompts you to enter your fingerprint(s).  It is suggested to do at least one finger from each hand, you can do all 10 if you want.

You start by choosing the finger you'll train by choosing it off a 'hand graphic' on the
screen.  Once you've chosen the finger, the software then tries to acquire four valid scans. After receiving 4 valid scans, you can finish the wizard, or train more prints from more fingers.

It took me about 1 minute to scan one finger from each hand.

Now the cool part.  I went to hotmail.com, got to the login screen and started learning how to associate web sites to fingerprint login profiles. 

At the hotmail login screen, you simply 'authenticate' the DigitalPersona software by pressing a registered finger to the reader.  Once it has recognized your fingerprint, DigitalPersona prompts you to name the profile, and even lets you choose the available form fields on the page, and the values you wish to enter, and the button you wish to press on the page, form, or windows application! I clicked OK, and then waited about 2 seconds, a new icon appeared in the upper right of the window, next to the maximize, minimize, and close controls.  Pressing my finger on the reader again, now logged me directly into hotmail.

This worked with network drive mapping, ANY website I've been to, and even win32 apps.  It's  very flexible and allows you to choose what fields to submit, and the action to perform the login.

Microsoft has released (beta 1) a spyware detection tool like Adware, or Spybot Search and Destroy.  As a user of both the aforementioned products, I was excited to see Microsoft is starting to get into the market.  Their software has been a lot better, especially in recent months, Windows Update, their Firewall, while sometimes irritating, are pretty decent in my opinion.

Well this thing is beta, and I'm suprised they are calling it that.  I've tried to run a scan on my machine at work, four times now, and it keeps locking up.  I've been sure to send the error report each time :).  I guess the jury is out.... I'll keep my eye on this, and wait for beta 3, or the gold version.