In this article, we will guide you through the process of installing and configuring a Fingerprint Reader on a Lenovo ThinkPad running Ubuntu. This will allow you to use biometric authentication for logging in and executing administrative tasks.
To install a fingerprint reader on a Lenovo ThinkPad in Ubuntu, you can use the FPrint software. Simply install the libpam-fprintd package using the appropriate command for your Ubuntu version. After installation, you can configure the fingerprint reader and enroll your fingerprint using the fprint_demo and fprintd-enroll commands respectively. Remember to reboot your system after making any changes.
Prerequisites
Before we begin, ensure that you have administrative access to your Ubuntu system. You will also need to know the model of your fingerprint reader. You can find this information by running the following commands in your terminal:
- For PCI devices, use
sudo lspci -v - For USB devices, use
sudo lsusb -v
Take note of the device model, manufacturer, or ID for future reference.
Installing FPrint
FPrint is an open-source software that provides support for consumer fingerprint readers. We will be using this software to enable fingerprint authentication on your Lenovo ThinkPad.
For Ubuntu 20.04 or greater
Open your terminal and run the following command:
sudo apt install libpam-fprintdThis command installs the libpam-fprintd package, which is a PAM module that uses the FPrint library for fingerprint authentication.
For Ubuntu 16.04 or greater
If you are running Ubuntu 16.04 or greater, use the following commands instead:
sudo apt install libpam-fprintd fprint-demoThe fprint-demo package is a simple GTK+ application that demonstrates the functionality of the FPrint library.
For Ubuntu 15.04 or less
For older versions of Ubuntu, you will need to add the FPrint PPA to your system before you can install the software. Run the following commands in your terminal:
sudo add-apt-repository -y ppa:fingerprint/fprint
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install libfprint0 fprint-demo libpam-fprintd gksu-polkitThe libfprint0 package is the core library that provides support for consumer fingerprint readers. The gksu-polkit package is a GTK+ frontend for the PolicyKit framework, which is used to manage administrative policies and privileges.
Configuring FPrint
After installing FPrint, you can test your fingerprint reader by running the fprint_demo command in your terminal. If your device is detected, you can enroll your fingerprint using the fprintd-enroll command. This will automatically enable fingerprint authentication for your login screen.
Granting Elevated Privileges
In some cases, you may need to run sudo pam-auth-update to activate the fingerprint reader for elevated privileges, such as using sudo commands. This command updates the PAM configuration files based on the current configuration settings.
Additional Solutions
If the above steps do not work or the fingerprint reader is not detected, you can try the following solutions:
Fingerprint GUI
Fingerprint GUI is an alternative software with a graphical interface. However, it may not work for all devices and Ubuntu versions. You can try installing it using the instructions provided in the Fingerprint Gui (Dead link, project is gone???) link.
Check BIOS Settings
Ensure that the fingerprint reader is enabled in the BIOS settings of your ThinkPad. Access the BIOS by repeatedly tapping the F1 key after starting the computer.
Conclusion
After following these steps, you should be able to use your fingerprint reader for authentication on your Lenovo ThinkPad running Ubuntu. Remember to reboot your system after making any changes and try logging in or using sudo commands with your fingerprint to verify if the installation was successful.
Please note that the success of fingerprint reader installation may vary depending on the specific ThinkPad model and Ubuntu version. If you encounter any issues, feel free to ask for help in the Ubuntu community forums or check the FPrint and Fingerprint GUI documentation for more information.
Fingerprint reader support may vary depending on the specific ThinkPad model. It is recommended to check the specifications of your model to determine if it has a fingerprint reader and if it is compatible with Ubuntu.
FPrint is an open-source software that provides support for consumer fingerprint readers. It is used to enable fingerprint authentication on your Lenovo ThinkPad running Ubuntu.
Open your terminal and run the following command:
sudo apt install libpam-fprintdIf you are running Ubuntu 16.04 or greater, use the following commands instead:
sudo apt install libpam-fprintd fprint-demoFor older versions of Ubuntu, you will need to add the FPrint PPA to your system before you can install the software. Run the following commands in your terminal:
sudo add-apt-repository -y ppa:fingerprint/fprint
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install libfprint0 fprint-demo libpam-fprintd gksu-polkitYou can test your fingerprint reader by running the fprint_demo command in your terminal. If your device is detected, you can enroll your fingerprint using the fprintd-enroll command. This will automatically enable fingerprint authentication for your login screen.
In some cases, you may need to run sudo pam-auth-update to activate the fingerprint reader for elevated privileges, such as using sudo commands. This command updates the PAM configuration files based on the current configuration settings.
If the above steps do not work or the fingerprint reader is not detected, you can try using the alternative software called Fingerprint GUI. However, please note that it may not work for all devices and Ubuntu versions. You can find instructions for installing it in the provided link.
To ensure that the fingerprint reader is enabled in the BIOS settings of your ThinkPad, access the BIOS by repeatedly tapping the F1 key after starting the computer. From there, navigate to the security settings and check if the fingerprint reader is enabled.
