One of the more interesting pieces of technology that has been released for the laptop computer is the fingerprint reader, which makes logging into a computer so much easier. The software that HP laptops use is Bioscrypt’s VeriSoft Access Manager. By sliding one’s finger across a small metallic sensor, the software is able to read the fingerprint and determine whether that person is authorized to use the computer. If they are, the computer automatically loads up. If not, said person will have to punch a password in.

Setting Up the Fingerprint Reader

Before the laptop owner can register and set up the fingerprint reader, he/she has to already have a user account and password on the laptop. While multiple users can register their fingerprints for their own specific user accounts, the laptop owner must have at least one with a password prepared and memorized.

In the Start menu, double click the VeriSoft Access Manager icon. To do this, go to Start > All Programs > Verisoft > My Identity. This will open the software so that the user can begin registering his/her fingerprints for the reader.

Click Log On to open the logon wizard then hit next to begin the process. Before fingerprints can be registered, type in a password. This is to ensure that the user is the computer owner. It would not be good if someone besides the owner put their fingerprints on the computer. Hit Next then Finish to close the wizard.Fingerprint Reader on HP Laptops

Once completely logged in, click “Register Fingerprints.” This will open the VeriSoft Logon Wizard. Hit next and it will go to registration page. From the graphic, pick the finger to be used. To use the right ring finger, pick that finger. When prompted, slide that finger across the sensor at a smooth, even pace so that it can read the finger.

If it accepts that swipe, do it three more times for a total of four. The number with the box around it will go from gray to blue if the swipe has been accepted. Once the first finger is finished, pick another finger. Typically, it helps to do two fingers on each hand in case there is an accident that prevents the user from using the fingers on one hand. This way, the user can still log into the computer.

Once the user completes registering his/her fingers, he/she should click finish and then restart the computer. To test it, the user should swipe his/her finger over the small metal sensor. If it lets him/her in, he/she has successfully registered his/her fingers. If it does not, go back in and try again.