Ubuntu Linux Configure Fingerprint reader on ThinkPad/Dell/Toshiba Laptops

The process for configuring a fingerprint reader on a ThinkPad, Dell, or Toshiba laptop running Ubuntu Linux can vary depending on the specific model of the laptop and the type of fingerprint reader it uses. In general, however, the following steps can be used as a guide to configure the fingerprint reader:

  1. Install the required software: In most cases, you will need to install the fprintd package and the required driver for your specific fingerprint reader. You can install these packages using the following command:
sudo apt-get install fprintd libpam-fprintd
  1. Register your fingerprint: Once the required software is installed, you can use the fprintd-enroll command to register your fingerprint. To do this, enter the following command:
fprintd-enroll

Follow the on-screen prompts to enroll your fingerprint.

  1. Enable the fingerprint reader in PAM: The Pluggable Authentication Modules (PAM) system is responsible for authenticating users on your system. To enable the fingerprint reader in PAM, you will need to edit the /etc/pam.d/common-auth file and add the following line:
auth sufficient pam_fprintd.so
  1. Restart the authentication service: After editing the /etc/pam.d/common-auth file, you will need to restart the authentication service to apply the changes. You can do this using the following command:
sudo service login restart
  1. Log in using your fingerprint: Once the fingerprint reader is configured, you should now be able to log in using your fingerprint. To do this, simply swipe your finger over the reader when prompted for your password.

Note: These steps are a general guide and may vary depending on the specific model of your laptop and the type of fingerprint reader it uses. If you encounter any problems or issues, you may need to consult the documentation for your specific laptop or the website of the manufacturer of the fingerprint reader.

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