fingerprint scanner??
 

any idea how to get a built in fingerprint scanner to work with linux? the device was installed on my laptop when i initially ordered it, i have a dell studio 1735 (i think its 1735) and i would like to use it with my linux. by the way im running mandriva.

also, when im asking these questions, what all info should i include with them? im a :newbie: soo im not totally sure...

anyways, LINUX RULES! lol

Most built-in fingerprint devices are USB device. Can you post the output of 'lsusb' and 'lsusb -vvvn'? There are drivers available for some devices.

http://reactivated.net/fprint/wiki/Main_Page
http://code.google.com/p/bioapi-linux/
http://code.google.com/p/pam-bioapi/

im not sure what you mean or how to find what to post...

Before one can tell you how to proceed, he needs to know what hardware you have installed in your laptop. Posting the output of lsusb will help to clarify this:
You have to start a terminal program like xterm, ... (try typing Alt+F2 and enter xterm). Then enter "lsusb" + RETURN followed by "lsusb -vvn" + RETURN and post the outputs here.

The links above lead to software that supports fingerprint sensors. The last link leads to a project that allows you to use the fingerprint sensor for authentification.

i dont know how to do terminal commands and such.

open a terminal
at the prompt type lsusb > ~/Desktop/*filename*
open the file using gedit or kwrite or some other text editor and paste the contents of the file in code tags

As irmin wrote "try typing Alt+F2 and enter xterm". "enter" means type in the letters then press the Enter key.

Then type in the other commands as advised and press Enter after each one.

When you have done as suggested, copy all the text on the xterm screen and paste it here. I think all you have to do to copy text from xterm is to position the mouse cursor where you want to start copying then hold down the left mouse button and drag the mouse cursor to where you want to stop marking text; that should highlight it. Then paste it where you want by positioning the mouse cursor and clicking the middle button (or scroll wheel or left+right buttons at the same time).