A Simple and Secure Way to Remember Passwords Nicknamed the Biopod, APC?s Biometric Password Manager is a small USB-powered fingerprint scanner that allows you to control access to your computer and other password protected systems, applications, and Web sites, without having to type in a password. Introduction There are two things on a lot of people's minds these days when it comes to computer safety - 1) Password management - you simply can't use the same password on 100 different sites, because if you do you can count on it getting into the hands of some unscrupulous people, and 2) How to safely encrypt and protect certain files and folders from being opened on any given computer. APC has brought "science fiction" to reality with their Biometric Password Manager, or Biopod, which is a small USB device that allows users to log onto the system and save all their passwords for whatever they wish, AND have passwords associated with files and folders so only the people you decide can have access to them. The APC Biometric Password Manager doesn't just put your online passwords at your fingertips, it uses your fingerprints to remember passwords for you. Compatible with Windows XP, Me, 2000, and 98, this USB device can store an unlimited number of Web site log-on names and passwords. Up to 20 different users can share a single unit, which uses TruePrint security technology to scan fingerprints below the surface of the skin, so it isn't affected by dry, dirty, or oily skin. Too much reliance on this device may be a big problem, though, as you'll discover if you ever find yourself without it. As security concerns continue to grow, so do the number of passwords. The Biometric Password Manager provides users with a convenient and secure way to manage and access multiple security phrases and codes. This product biometrically identifies users and gives them convenient access to password protected applications and web sites. APC?s Biometric Password Manager is a small, relatively inexpensive device that will appeal to a wide range of users. It is an accessory that will save you a lot of time and frustration. Imagine never having to remember or type in a username and password again ? the Biopod allows just that. With Windows only compatibility, Mac and Linux users miss out on the benefits of the Biopod, and the device is quite beneficial. The device does an excellent job of scanning and identifying fingerprints, is easy to setup and incredibly Specs and Info Eliminate password lists by gaining access to your computer, programs, and web sites via your fingerprint Allows enrolment of up to 20 individual fingerprints Fast User Switching for Windows XP - quickly switches between registered user's desktops Fast and Easy Plug and Play Setup Sleek innovative design allows for a stable placement and accurate finger verification File and Folder Encryption - OmniPass authentication software allows for your files and folders to be encrypted for enhanced data security Authentic TruePrint Sensor Technology - the leader in biometric sensor technology Compatible with Windows 98, Me, 2000 and XP Connects to your PC via USB How well does it work? The unit is very small, lightweight, but still has the signature APC quality in manufacturing feel that most people will demand from the products they buy. Installation is very easy ... Plug it into the USB port on your computer, Windows XP will pick it up immediately. Next, put in the packaged CD-ROM and it will AutoPlay into an installation of the APC password manager software. Once here, practice using different fingers and see how the computer will now recognize your fingerprints. Finally "enrol" as the administrator, and set the device up to recognize your login. Once here, you can try it out on a file and have OmniPass (the APC password program) encrypt the file so that you can "open" it with the biometric device. The program will have you place your finger on the biopod and from here it will encrypt the file so that nobody can open it without "unlocking it" from the OmniPass program which requires YOUR fingerprint as authorization. From here the file can be unlocked and you will be very satisfied with the performance of the biometric reader and software program. Attempts at opening the file without proper authorization, time and again proves to be completely futile. Reader and software program. Attempts at opening the file without proper authorization, time and again proves to be completely futile. Value and Usefulness For anyone really wanting some extra level of security who doesn't want to memorize 539 different passwords, this device is exactly what you have been looking for. The device installs easy, and the usefulness is extremely high - you can control so many different things through the use of encrypted passwords. This is a great measure of security that comes recommended over using password programs. Overall Impressions We've been hearing about biometric devices coming to the forefront of technology for years, but have so far been disappointed with the daily usefulness of such products... until now. The APC Biopod is a very impressive little device that we personally found quite a few advantages for using. The installation was not a hard process, and the performance of the product was very impressive. The "coolness" factor of the device gets top marks - this little unit is sure to wow even the geekiest of your tech friends. The price point is about right, as most biometric devices are usually so expensive they price themselves out of the consumer market. The usefulness factor is the device's best feature as everyone on the internet today has reason to use this device in order to stop the password redundancy problem which increases the likelihood of it getting stolen and used against your will. Overall, the APC Biometric Password Manager is about as cool and futuristic a product as we've reviewed lately. It's very easy to use and has tremendous practical use for the large audience out on the internet. This is a product that can also be seen used in a business setting and not just at home, so there's more reason to say this is a very practical product. Once you use the Biopod you may never want to, or have to, type a password again? Features and Benefits Convenience Competitively priced First biometric solution priced for the consumer's budget Registers multiple users Allows enrollment of up to 20 individual fingerprints Fast User Switching for Windows XP Quickly switches between registered user's desktops Designed for accurate verification Sleek innovative design allows for a stable placement and accurate finger verification Plug and Play setup Fast and Easy set up Protection Eliminate password lists Your finger is your password. Stop leaving your e-mail, online banking, shopping and brokerage account passwords out in the open File and Folder Encryption OmniPass authentication software allows for your files and folders to be encrypted for enhanced data security. Limit access to computers Keeps out unauthorized users AuthenTec TruePrint Sensor Technology The leader in biometric sensor technology Compatibility PC compatible OmniPass authentication software provides compatibility for Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 2000 and Windows XP