This is my first post here, but I have a good tip for anyone using a tablet PC. Windows XP Tablet edition requires a login, but does not provide a secure method of doing it. The options we are faced with are either writing out the password in the input panel and inserting it into the password field, or using an on screen keyboard to type it into the password field. Both of these options allow anyone near you to see your password as you input it.

What I reccommend as a solution to this is biometric logon which can be done by a number of different soft/hardware and using a number of different biometrics. If your tablet is equipped with a fingerprint reader this is a good way to do it. Enroll your fingerprints and swipe them to login. If you don't have a fingerprint reader I reccommend using a signature biometric logon application. I have yet to find a freeware one, but I'm sure that as soon as tablet users catch on there will be one.

The application I use for this is called SignSecure and is made by SOFTPRO and a free 30 day trial can be found at www.signplus.com. With a simple installation of the application, a user can enroll their signature the same way they would fingerprints in a fingerprint logon setup. You run the enrollment application, sign your name 3 times, and that's it! When you boot up it will ask you to press CTRL+ALT+DEL(or use your tablet's security button) and then you are presented with a box where you sign your name and upon verification it will log you in securely. In my opinion this is a must for all tablet users if they wish to have a secure login. Otherwise entering you password in tablet mode allows everyone nearby to view it.