Reinvent Your PC

Secure the PC

For years, we've been telling you to use security software to protect your computer. But you can get serious security benefits by upgrading your hardware and adding physical protection for it.

Get a jump-start on identity theft protection right at home or in the office by physically locking down your system and hard drives, and also by adding a biometric input device to secure your operating system and applications (for an in-depth examination of these topics, see "Lock Down Your PC".

Tie Down Your Data

Any level of physical security on a PC will help deter theft. If you're ready to get serious about eliminating the risk of someone tampering with your data, you'll want to lock your hard drive in place when you need it, and store it in a locked cabinet or vault when you're not using it.

Start with a cable lock to tie your PC, either desktop or laptop, to a substantial object in your workspace. Kensington's MicroSaver cable lock ($6 and up) is one of many such products that are small and light enough to carry when traveling and tough enough to keep your laptop secure at your desk. Compu-Lock's 007 security system for desktop PCs ($29) includes a set of adhesive pads and a cable lock to secure desktop boxes to any solid surface.

Take It With You

One effective way to keep your data away from prying eyes is simply to remove it from your PC. Swappable drive trays with locks that secure the drive in place are available from several companies, including Addonics, DataStor, and Promise. At your desk, you can lock the drive into the case. When it's time to take your data with you, unlock the drive, slide out the drive tray, and go. Prices range from $8 to $50 per bay with one drive tray.

If you're looking for something a little smaller, check out the CardMedia BioDisk USB flash memory drive (prices vary by storage capacity) or the FBIdrive flash memory drives by Newport Scientific Research. Both products also have a built-in fingerprint reader; to get your data off the drives, you'll need to scan your fingerprint using the built-in reader. You can also use it to log in to your PC.

Secure Storage

Keep that finger handy, because you can use it to unlock portable storage devices as well. Micro-Solutions' LockBox (prices start at $200) is an external hard drive with its own fingerprint reader built right in. The LockBox holds anywhere from 80GB to 200GB, depending on the model you choose. Up to eight users can share the drive and its contents.

Before connecting the LockBox to your PC, you have to set up the software. The software guides you through establishing an administrative user account, which gives you full control over the drive and its use by others. You can give everyone access to the entire drive, or you can assign a separate fingerprint-protected drive space to each user. Other fingerprint-enabled software may also take advantage of the LockBox's fingerprint sensor.

Add Biometric Security

Password managers do a good job of taking the pain out of remembering your countless passwords, but you still need to set a password to protect all those other passwords. That safeguard is great until you forget the master password. That's why biometric devices are so handy--they identify you to the PC using a fingerprint or some other biological detail unique to you. You can log in to your computer, Web sites, and e-mail accounts just by pressing the flesh with your PC, so to speak.

If you're ready to swap out most of your text passwords for biometric-based identification using your fingerprint, check out Microsoft's IntelliPoint biometric line of keyboards and mice (prices start at $45). These input devices let your fingers do the talking. They substitute Windows' own passwords for fingerprint authentication, employing extremely user-friendly Password Manager software from DigitalPersona.

DigitalPersona also sells a keyboard with fingerprint reader (the $130 U.are.U Keyboard), as well as a stand-alone fingerprint reader. Zvetco Biometrics' Verifi P3400 ($99), another fingerprint reader, connects to USB and includes a different password manager app.

Once you install the hardware and drivers for a biometric security device such as the Microsoft fingerprint pad, setting up fingerprint authentication for Windows and Web sites is quick and easy. For example, to establish fingerprint log-on at a favorite Web site, simply click in the user-name or log-in space on the Web page, apply your finger to the fingerprint reader, type your user name and password for the site into the fingerprint reader's pop-up dialog, and then apply your finger to the reader once more. Henceforth, you can log on to that site literally with the touch of a finger. The Microsoft products also support Fast User Switching in Windows XP for setting up convenient one-touch log-on.

Prevent Prying Eyes

Laptop users who fly know all too well the problem of the nosy seatmate. If you're trying to get work done and you don't want the person next to you to see what you're working on, check out 3M's line of Privacy Filters (prices start at $35). These thin plastic sheets fit over your laptop's screen and reduce the viewing angle so only someone who is sitting directly in front of it can read or see what's on it. If you're worried about the guy in the next cubicle sneaking a peek at your desktop, 3M also sells a 17-inch flat-panel LCD monitor ($500) with the privacy filter built in.

Freelance writer Jim Aspinwall frequently upgrades PCs in the San Francisco Bay Area.