 |
Q1. What is a SmartCard? | | |
 |  | SmartCards
contain one computer chip, are plastic, and are just about the size of a credit
card. SmartCards use a microprocessor resident on the card to store data, make
calculations, process data, manage files, and execute encryption algorithms. SmartCard
memory is reusable via its ability to rewrite over existing data. Acer SmartCards
are "contact SmartCards" which require insertion into a SmartCard reader
already built into the TravelMate mobile PC. | |
| Q2.
Why is a SmartCard "smart"? | |
| SmartCards are different from
ordinary magnetic strip cards in their ability
to process, as well as store data. SmartCards
make possible sophisticated, portable data
processing, and have proven to be more reliable
than conventional magnetic strip cards. |
| Q3.
What are the advantages of SmartCards versus magnetic strip cards? |
|
SmartCards:
 | provide
security functions such as encryption and electronic signatures. |
|
store up to 100
or more times the information than typical
magnetic strip cards. |
| | (Acer's bundled SmartCards come
standard with 4K bit of memory.) | | Reduce
tampering and counterfeiting through high-security mechanisms. |
| Are
disposable or reusable. | | Perform
multiple functions, doubling as a debit card, credit card, and personal ID. |
| Have
a wide range of applications (e.g., banking, transportation, and healthcare).
| | Are
compatible with portable electronic devices (e.g. PCs and mobile phones). |
| Incorporate
rapidly developing semiconductor technology. | |
| Q4.
What are the major benefits of Acer SmartCards? | |
Acer SmartCard with the PlatinumSecret application provides:
| authorized
access to your system. | | enhanced
data security with personal identification and encryption. | | efficient
online login processing. | | greater
storage capacity with standard 4K bit of memory. | | easier
record keeping. | |
| Q5.
What is the TravelMate's SmartCard security application? | |
Acer implements the "PlatinumSecret™"
application as its security solution. Functions include:
| PlatinumPAS™
checking if the particular SmartCard is registered on the PC being accessed. |
| | If not, the system will
be locked at BIOS level. | | PlatinumSecure™:
Supports user authentication at the operating system level. The user needs |
| | to enter a valid SmartCard password before
being allowed access into the Windows system | | PlatinumKey™:
Based on web authentication of the SmartCard, users can extend memory and |
| | store information either on the SmartCard,
or a specific web site. With the SmartCard's unique | | | caching
technology, users can extend the card's limited memory size via a local, or web
server. | |
| Q6.
How is access controlled on the TravelMate series? | |
Access to the information contained in the SmartCard is
controlled in two ways:
| Who
can access the information - Card holder/user only. | |
Once the SmartCard is inserted, the user will be requested to type in a name and
password. | | if an unauthorized
individual tries to use the card, it will lock up after three unsuccessful attempts. |
| How
the information can be controlled - Users can select secured folders or directories. |
|
| Q7.
How does one set up a SmartCard password? | |
| Passwords can consist of any number from "0" to "9",
or character from "A" to "Z". The maximum length of a password
is limited to 20 case-sensitive alphanumeric characters. If passwords are being
stored using PlatinumKey?, a total storage allotment of 5~10 user ID and password
sets is provided for. The total number of sets is dependent on the length of the
user ID and passwords. |
| Q8.
Can another person share my card under a different name and password? |
|
| No, each SmartCard is reserved only for
one user. Additional users need to purchase and register a new SmartCard. A total
of five users, including the primary user, can be registered on one mobile PC. |
| Q9.
What should I do if I lose or damage my SmartCard? Will I still be able to access
my system? | |
| When you first
initialize the SmartCard in the TravelMate, the system will request you to insert
a blank diskette and save necessary information into it. This diskette becomes
the emergency recovery disk. If you lose your SmartCard, you can use the emergency
recovery disk to unlock the system and/or access the secured information, restoring
your original setup. However, to re-enable SmartCard security, the system must
be returned to an authorized Acer service centre. Generally, this procedure will
entail a nominal service fee. |
| Q10.
Other than security, what other roles can the SmartCard perform in today's world? |
|
SmartCard adoption enables e-commerce
possibilities in several business industries, such as:
| Intelligent
phone cards, eliminating the need to search for coins. | |
Debit cards/electronic wallet. | | SmartCard
credit and debit card with security. | | Enhanced
personal identity cards. | | Streamlined
health care services, helping reduce costs by improving efficiency of medical
and | | | administrative information
processing. | |
Banking and financing institutes are seeking PC vendors that can provide SmartCard
solutions to | | | integrate their e-business,
i.e. eShopping and eBanking. | | The
SmartCard will also enhance online shopping security! | |
