That blinkin' technology

Eyeballing security

With Ed Curran, Technogadgets

(CNN) -- Here I am, on the road again with my notebook computer. It took me about three attempts to sign into my computer here in the hotel room.

Because I change my passwords several times a year, as we all should, I couldn't remember the last one I came up with. I kept writing "NewsRat" and it wouldn't work. Finally, I remembered "NewStrat" (it's a guitar thing) and everything was fine.

QUICK VOTE
	Would you prefer: (a) an Authenticam from Iridian (b) an Identix BioTouch PC Card fingerprint reader (c) a Fender Stratocaster View Results

It got me thinking. There's got to be a better way to access my computer and all the other things in my life. I have a PIN (personal identification number) or a PASSWORD (password) for everything I do.

I use these hard-to-remember codes for access to my desktop computer, notebook computer, Palm Vll, home security system, office security system, ATM, online banking and AOL. Not to mention the passwords for any online services I may subscribe to. When I'm here in Atlanta, at CNN, I have a neat little ID card that's read by a machine so I can get into CNN Center. I have another card for the office building I work in back home.

There's got to be a better way. And there is.

Out at Comdex, I tried out an amazing little camera, the Authenticam, from Iridian Technologies. It looks a lot like a Webcam, costs about the same price as a Webcam, and can even be used as a Webcam. But its real purpose is to read your iris, authenticate who you are, and allow access to your computer. It really is an eye-opener.

To use the camera, all you have to do is let it take a couple of pictures of your eye. It then sets up a code that matches your iris. The accuracy of the system is so high it's mind-boggling.

To use the system, all you have to do is look at the camera. No squinting, no staring, no bug-eyed poses. As soon as it sees your iris it authenticates who you are and allows you access to the system.

Putting your finger on it

Iridian's Authenticam certainly isn't the only way to get the job done. Other companies are doing some great things with biometrics.

I really love the Identix BioTouch PC Card fingerprint reader. Slide the PC card into your notebook computer. Then, with a gentle push, out pops a tiny fingerprint reader. Put your finger on the reader and, quicker than you can say "NewStrat," your computer lets you in. More amazing than the technology is the $180 price. Pretty good deal.

There's also the SCM desktop fingerprint reader for $130, the Compaq desktop reader for $100, and the KeyTronic reader that's built right into a keyboard for $150.

I like the iris technology. I imagine the day when we'll all sign into our computers, access ATM machines, walk into our offices, and get onto an airplane (where is my driver's license?) just by looking a computer in the eye.

Ed Curran -- so desperate for that Fender Strat for Christmas that he's now given us his PASSWORD (password) -- has covered the world of high-tech for more than a dozen years and is the publisher of Technogadgets® -- www.technogadgets.com In addition to his weekly column here at CNN.com/career, watch for Curran's reports on CNN television. First one to get hold of his laptop let us know and we'll use his PASSWORD to download his stuff.

Trading PINs for body parts
August 18, 2000
Iris recognition at airports uses eye-catching technology
July 24, 2000
Toshiba outfits laptops with fingerprint reader
November 22, 2000
Comdex: With biometrics, you're the password
November 16, 2000

Iridian Technologies, iris recognition
Identix

Note: Pages will open in a new browser window

External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.