Windows 2000 and XP support USB 2.0 and typically do not require additional drivers. Windows 98SE requires a driver which you can download from the Microsoft web site at http://support.microsoft.com. Windows NT does not support Plug and Play devices and does not have native support for USB.

Macintosh OS 9.1 and later support USB. Macintosh OS X 10.0.4 or higher is required for USB 2.0 operation. If your Macintosh does not support 2.0 High Speed USB drivers, XHub will operate at USB 1.1 speeds.

Speed. USB 2.0 read/write speeds are 40 TIMES faster than USB 1.1. USB 1.1 will run at only 12 Mbps, instead of the full 480 Mbps.

If you map a network drive to a resource using the drive letter that is typically assigned to a USB flash drive, you will not see the USB flash drive in the file manager window when you connect the device. This problem only occurs if you map the drive while the flash drive is disconnected from the computer. You need to disconnect the mapped network drive. To work around the mapping issue, it is recommended that you re-map the network drive using a drive letter from the end of the alphabet, for example, Z or Y.

YES, as long as the PC's operating system supports FAT or FAT32 formatting (most do), and the PC has the proper USB drivers installed. The COS is designed as a standalone device with its own Operating System and does not use or change the host PC's native software. The COS will run on any Intel x86 processor, which includes all Pentium processors. Since the Macintosh processor does not currently use the x86 architecture, the COS is not bootable from a Macintosh. However, the COS can be used as a standard USB Flash Drive for transferring files between a Macintosh and other PCs using the "Public" folder.

Restart your computer, when prompted, hit the ESC key. On some machines, it may be the F2, F9, or F12 key, so pay close attention to what the startup screen says. Using the arrow keys, navigate to the Boot Order screen and move the FingerGear device to the top of the list as the default device. Don’t worry, if it is not plugged in, your PC will boot from the next device on the list automatically. Save and exit (F10). If you computer does not list the FingerGear device as an option, then you will need to use the boot CD to use the device on that machine.

If you have lost or misplaced the original boot CD-ROM that was included with the product, you can request a replacement by submitting the Contact Us form below and sending a $10 check or money order for shipping and handling. Be sure to fill out your mailing address. If you would like us to ship overnight, please include a payment of $25 for shipping and handling. Sent payment to Biogy LLC, Attn: FingerGear CD, 550 Ortega Ave., Suite B120, Mountain View, CA 94040.

Of course. The COS contains a folder called 'Public' which is accessible by any other Windows, Macintosh, and Linux machine (any machine which supports FAT and FAT32 formatted devices). You can access the 'Public' folder even if you do not boot from the device. When saving data to this folder, keep in mind that files in this folder are accessible to anyone who plugs in the device, even without fingerprint authentication or login. If you want to keep files private you can do so from within the COS environment by saving your files to a directory at a level above the Public directory. Only the Public directory will be visible on other PCs when using the device as a standard USB flash drive (i.e., when you are not booting from it.)

Yes. The COS is partitioned into public and private partitions. The Operating System is protected in the private partition of the device, while the device features a ‘Public’ folder that enables the user to plug the device into other PCs and easily share files in this folder without having to boot from the device or authenticate a fingerprint. Files that have been saved to other locations on the device are not viewable and cannot be shared in this manner.

You cannot reformat your Computer-On-a-Stick without reformatting the entire drive. If you reformat the device, you will erase all data, and you will also erase the entire FingerGear Operating System. The device, if reformatted, will behave as any standard USB 2.0 flash storage device.

No. Definitely do not do this. If you unplug the device while the OS is running from it, you will receive some strange error messages when you try to continue working on it. Also, if you haven’t saved your files, you will lose any changes to them. Do not remove the device until after you have powered down.

No. There is no trace left on the host machine by the Computer-On-a-Stick. All of your personal settings are saved to directly to the USB device for optimal security and portability.

The Setup and Usage Instructions for the BIO USB flash drive can be found on the Bio USB Flash Drive product page .

YES, as long as the PC's operating system supports FAT and FAT32 formatting, and the PC has the proper USB drivers. ( NTFS is not supported.) The BIO USB is a standalone hardware device and requires no application specific software to run or be installed on your computer. As long as your system has a USB port, you may take it anywhere without having to install software each time you use it.

YES. Because there is no software running on the host PC, the device is may be used on all Windows, Macintosh, and Linux operating systems.

The BIO USB flash drive supports one Admin and up to 5 additional users or fingers. Once an additional user is set up on the device by the Admin, the user may user the device independently.

Yes. In fact, it is recommended that the Admin enroll two fingers in case one finger is non-usable for any reason, such as the finger being covered by a bandage.

By default, the BIO USB flash drive is unformatted. You will be prompted to format the device upon successful enrollment of your fingerprint. In this way, you may format according the machine that you are using. Some versions of the BIO USB may ship with Windows-only software products. In this case, the BIO USB may be formatted for the environment on which the bundled software will run. The FingerGear product packaging will clearly indicate whether the product has been pre-formatted and for which operating system.

Yes. However, by reformatting, you will erase the entire drive, including any software that may have been bundled with the device, along with any data that may have been saved to the device.

No, you will not have to re-enroll as Admin. Your fingerprint templates will not be erased nor will any additional users' templates if you choose to reformat the device and remove the FingerGear Operating System.

No. Currently, the BIO USB drive is not partitioned into public and private partitions. The BIO USB flash drive is accessible only by the Admin along with any additional user that the Admin may enroll. An unauthorized user will not be able to plug the device in and gain access to any partition on the device.

The BIO USB Flash Drive comes bundled with the FingerGear Encryptor (Windows only) which you can run directly from the device by double clicking the executable 'FingerGearEncryptor.exe'. To encrypt files, simply drag and drop the files onto Encryptor Window, and the encrypted files will be stored on your device with the *.encrypt extension. Decrypt the files in the same way and the *.encrypt extension will be removed. No passwords to remember or forget. Add encryption for an extra layer of flash memory security so that your files will remain inaccessible even if your flash memory is physically removed and placed on another flash drive. Note: the FingerGear Encryptor's primary function is to provide encryption for personal use only. Files encrypted with the FingerGear Encryptor can only be decrypted using the same device. The files are not transferable from one FingerGear device to another.

If your fingerprint is rejected frequently, it is recommended that you enroll an alternate "backup" finger. If you are not the Admin, you will need to have the Admin present to enroll a second finger.

Some early models use the Atmel Swipe Sensor. The Atmel Swipe Sensor (grey area) is a thermal sensor which measures the temperature differential between the ridges and valleys of your fingerprint. The sensor is sometimes non-responsive to dry fingers. Moisten your fingertip slightly and try again. Also, you may be swiping your finger too fast or too slow. Finally, be sure to apply some pressure when swiping your finger.

Some machines have an older BIOS configuration that will not allow it to boot when a USB device is plugged in. To avoid this, simply unplug the device when starting or restarting the machine.

Click the "Safely Remove Hardware" icon in the lower right hand corner of the taskbar, select the appropriate USB device and click "STOP". You can safely unplug the device from the USB port after you receive a message indicating the device can now be safely removed from the system.

Verify that the Yellow LED on the BIO USB flash drive flashes momentarily when you insert the device into the USB extension cable. If the Yellow LED does not flash, connect the device directly to the computer’s USB port to determine if the problem comes from the USB cable or hub. Also, in Windows, you can check in the Device Manager to see if the BIO USB drive is recognized by the USB controller. If it is not recognized, make sure that the USB port is enabled in the BIOS. Sometimes the computer needs to be rebooted when the BIO USB flash drive is connected for the first time. Reboot your computer and try again.

The Setup and Usage Instructions for the BIO Computer-On-a-Stick can be found on the BIO USB Computer-On-a-Stick product page.

YES, as long as the PC's operating system supports FAT or FAT32 formatting (most do), and the PC has the proper USB drivers installed. The COS is designed as a standalone device with its own Operating System and does not use or change the host PC's native software. The COS will run on any Intel x86 processor, which includes all Pentium processors. Since the Macintosh processor does not currently use the x86 architecture, the BIO COS is not bootable from a Macintosh. However, the COS can be used as a standard USB Flash Drive for transferring files between a Macintosh and other PCs using the "Public" folder.

Restart your computer, when prompted, hit the ESC key. On some machines, it may be the F2, F9, or F12 key, so pay close attention to what the startup screen says. Using the arrow keys, navigate to the Boot Order screen and move the FingerGear device to the top of the list as the default device. Don’t worry, if it is not plugged in, your PC will boot from the next device on the list automatically. Save and exit (F10). If you computer does not list the FingerGear device as an option, then you will need to use the boot CD to use the device on that machine.

If you have lost or misplaced the original boot CD-ROM that was included with the product, you can request a replacement by submitting the Contact Us form below and sending a $10 check or money order for shipping and handling. Be sure to fill out your mailing address. If you would like us to ship overnight, please include a payment of $25 for shipping and handling. Sent payment to Biogy LLC, Attn: FingerGear CD, 550 Ortega Ave., Suite B120, Mountain View, CA 94040.

Of course. The BIO COS contains a folder called 'Public' which is accessible by any other Windows, Macintosh, and Linux machine (any machine which supports FAT and FAT32 formatted devices). You can access the 'Public' folder even if you do not boot from the device. When saving data to this folder, keep in mind that files in this folder are accessible to anyone who plugs in the device, even without fingerprint authentication or login. If you want to keep files private you can do so from within the BIO COS environment by saving your files to a directory at a level above the Public directory. Only the Public directory will be visible on other PCs when using the device as a standard USB flash drive (i.e., when you are not booting from it.)

Yes. The BIO COS is partitioned into public and private partitions. The Operating System is protected in the private partition of the device, while the device features a ‘Public’ folder that enables the user to plug the device into other PCs and easily share files in this folder without having to boot from the device or authenticate a fingerprint. Files that have been saved to other locations on the device are not viewable and cannot be shared in this manner.

Yes. You will need to perform a match using the BIO Computer-On-a-Stick whether you are booting from it, or whether you are using it as a standard flash drive.

You cannot reformat your BIO Computer-On-a-Stick without reformatting the entire drive. If you reformat the device, you will erase all data, and you will also erase the entire FingerGear Operating System. The device, if reformatted, will behave as any standard USB 2.0 flash storage device.

No, you will not have to re-enroll as Admin. Your fingerprint templates will not be erased nor will any additional users' templates if you choose to reformat the device and remove the FingerGear Operating System.

The first models of the BIO USB use the Atmel Swipe Sensor. The Atmel Swipe Sensor (grey area) is a thermal sensor which measures the temperature differential between the ridges and valleys of your fingerprint. The sensor is sometimes non-responsive to dry fingers. Moisten your fingertip slightly and try again. Also, you may be swiping your finger too fast or too slow. Finally, be sure to apply some pressure when swiping your finger. FingerGear will soon offer a slightly higher-end model with an area sensor. This sensor makes it easier to enroll because you place your finger rather than swiping it. Check the FingerGear.com product pages for pricing and specifications.

No. Definitely do not do this. If you unplug the device while the OS is running from it, you will receive some strange error messages when you try to continue working on it. Also, if you haven’t saved your files, you will lose any changes to them. Do not remove the device until after you have powered down.

No. There is no trace left on the host machine by the BIO Computer-On-a-Stick. All of your personal settings are saved to directly to the USB device for optimal security and portability.

The Fingerprint Passcode Generator is a unique feature of FingerGear's biometric products which uses an enrolled user's fingerprint match to generate a One-Time Passcode (OTP). The Fingerprint Passcode Generator works with the FingerGear FPG Server, which offers among the highest level of Access Control available in the world today. The OTP can be used to log into a website or network, enter a physical structure, or gain access to a telephony database such as bank or brokerage account information.

The FPG Server works with the most common types of databases, including MySQL, MS SQL, and Oracle. The FPG Server License includes API document for modifications to your database, along with minimal server software for drop-in installation.

Once you set up your FingerGear Biometric device, you do not need to follow a separate setup procedure to enable the Fingerprint Passcode Generator feature. The FPG feature is included with all biometric products. Once enrolled, you can generate Passcodes simply by click the button and swiping your finger or (for area sensor models) placing your finger on the sensor. If you are using the Fingerprint Passcode Generator standalone (battery powered) model, please refer to the FPG Setup and Usage instructions on the FPG main product page.

No. Or at least the chances of doing so are very, very small-- so small in fact that it will never happen in a person's lifetime.  It is more likely that you will be struck by an asteroid from space.

The chances of guessing your 8-digit alphanumeric FPG Passcode are 1 in 722 TRILLION.  The FPG is unquestionably superior as compared to a PIN or typical password.

No. Each Passcode can only be used once. Hence the term 'OTP' (One-Time Passcode).

It is useless. Once you use your Passcode, it cannot be used again if lost or stolen.

You should never write your Passcodes down. Passcodes should be used immediately after they have been generated. In the event you lose an 'active' OTP, you can deactivate it instantly by generating a new OTP and using it immediately. By using the new OTP, you will have rendered the older Passcode obsolete.  The use of the newest passcode automatically invalidates use of all previously generated passcodes, even if they have never been used.

No. Only a user which has been enrolled on the device can obtain a fingerprint match, and thus generate a Passcode. It is highly recommended that if you lose or misplace your Fingerprint Passcode Generator that you contact your database administrator who can promptly remove the device's registration code from the system which will render the device obsolete. Even if the would-be thief were to somehow spoof your fingerprint, obtain match, and generate a Passcode, the new Passcode would not be valid. Your system would not recognize any Passcodes generated from a 'deactivated' device.

Yes, in fact. An individual can be identified with a very high degree of accuracy by their Passcode. The degree of certainty for an individual to be identified by their Passcode is 1 in 722 TRILLION. Refer to the Chances of Guessing above.

People have used the terms interchangeably. However, technically speaking, a passcode can be a combination of any type of character, including letters (upper and lower case), numbers, and symbols. The terms password or pass phrase, on the other hand, connote words or letters or a combination of words. Because of the significantly greater string combinations brought about by the addition of numbers and symbols, a Passcode is vastly more secure. Refer to the Chances of Guessing above.