User's Guide/Frequently Asked Questions
Sign-OnTM v2.0 for the Palm OS


Topics


General

What is Sign-On?

Sign-On is a security application that protects the Palm device with your own signature instead of a password.

Is there a demo version of Sign-On?

Yes.  A 5-day trial is available from www.cic.com.

Where can I purchase Sign-On?

You can order and download Sign-On from www.cic.com.

Will Sign-On work with other security apps or hacks?

CIC does not recommend using multiple security apps or hacks on the same Palm device.  Disable and/or remove other security apps and hacks prior to installing and enabling Sign-On.

Will Sign-On work with other CIC apps for the Palm organizers?

Yes.  If you need to remove Jot, RecoEcho, or WordComplete from your Palm organizer, you must first disable Sign-On.  Re-enable it after the removal.

How does Sign-On work?

Sign-On incorporates CIC's patented biometric signature technology--SigCheckTM.

SigCheck protects your device from forgery.  Access is denied unless the dynamics of the signature are identical to the original signatures used to create the template, even if the signature is visually similar.

Is my signature data protected?

Yes, it is protected using Triple DES algorithm.

What improvements are available in version 2.0?


System Requirements

What are the system requirements to install and run Sign-On?


Installation and Getting Started

How do I install Sign-On?

Important notes prior to installing Sign-On: 

  • Backup your data: CIC advises you to back up your organizer following the instructions in your Palm organizer handbook before activating Sign-On.
  • Disable and remove trial or earlier version: Prior to installing the full/updated version of Sign-On, you must disable and remove the trial or earlier version. Reset your Palm organizer after removing Sign-On. You will need to re-enroll once you have installed the full/updated version.
  • Check your Palm OS version: Your Palm device must be running Palm OS 3.3 or above. If your organizer is a Palm III or higher running Palm OS 3.0 +, you can upgrade your Palm OS through Palm, Inc.
  • Make sure you have both files: In order for Sign-On to function properly, you will need to install both the Sign-On.prc and SignOnDrv.prc files.

Installing from a PC

The following installation instructions are derived from the 3Com Handbook for the Palm V™ organizer, "Chapter 3:  Installing and Removing Applications", page 42.  These instructions will also work for the Palm III series.  If you are using other versions of the Palm organizer, refer to your 3Com PalmPilot Handbook for step-by-step instructions.  If you are using other installation utilities, please refer to those utilities' instructions to install Sign-On.  

  1. Locate the Sign-On.prc file and double click on it.  The Palm Install Tool should open.  If the Palm Install Tool did not open, click on the Windows Start button.  Select Programs, Palm Desktop, and Palm Install Tool.
  2. Select the user name that corresponds to your Palm organizer in the user drop down list.
  3. If the Palm Install Tool opened when you double-clicked on the Sign-On.prc file, you should have the Sign-On.prc file listed under File Name.  If the PRC file is not listed, either
  1. Drag-and-drop the Sign-On.prc file into the Install Tool File Name list.  Or,
  2. Click the ADD button to open the Open dialog.  Locate and select the Sign-On.prc file.  Click the OPEN button to return to the Install Tool dialog.
  1. Repeat steps 1-4 for the SignOnDrv.prc file.
  2. Perform a local HotSync® operation to install Sign-On.

Installing from a Mac

The following installation instructions are for users running Palm™ Desktop for Macintosh v.2.5.  If you are using other versions of the Palm Desktop, refer to your Palm Handbook for step-by-step instructions.  If you are using other installation utilities, please refer to those utilities' instructions to install Sign-On.  You can download a copy of the Palm Desktop for Macintosh from www.palm.com.

  1. Locate the Sign-On.prc file on your Mac.
  2. Select Install Handheld Files from the HotSync menu.
  3. Click Add To List and select Sign-On.prc.
  4. Click Add File and Sign-On displays on your Install Handheld Files list.
  5. Repeat steps 1-4 for the SignOnDrv.prc file.
  6. Exit the Install Handheld Files dialog box.
  7. Make sure the HotSync Manager is running.
  8. Press the HotSync button on your Palm cradle to start HotSync. Refer to your Palm organizer Handbook for further information on HotSync.

How do I disable and remove Sign-On?

To disable and remove Sign-On from your Palm V or III:

  1. Tap the Applications icon.
  2. Tap Sign-On
  3. Uncheck the box Enable Sign-On
  4. Tap the Applications icon
  5. Tap the Menu icon
  6. Tap Delete
  7. Select Sign-On
  8. Tap Delete
  9. Repeat steps 7-8 for the SignOnDrv file if you are using Sign-On v2.0
  10. Tap Done
  11. Perform a soft reset

To remove Sign-On from other models of the Palm devices, refer to your 3Com Palm Handbook on "Removing Applications."

Can I install the full version of Sign-On over the trial version?

You must disable and remove the trial version of Sign-On and perform a soft reset of the Palm device prior to installing the full version.

How do I check my Palm OS version?

  1. Tap the Applications icon
  2. Tap the Menu icon
  3. Tap Info
  4. Tap on Version
  5. Note Palm OS version (need v3.3 or above)
  6. Tap done when finished

Will my enrolled signatures be valid if I remove the trial/earlier version and install the full/updated version?

No.  You will need to re-enroll after installing the full/updated version.

How do I start using Sign-On?

  1. Tap the Applications icon.
  2. Tap the Sign-On icon.
  3. Tap the checkbox to Enable Sign-On.
  4. The Sign-On Enroll screen appears.
  5. Tap Next to start enrollment.  You will need to sign three times to complete the enrollment.
  6. Tap Clear at any signature enrollment to re-sign; tap Next to continue; or tap Cancel to exit without enrolling.
  7. To complete the enrollment, enter a password.

What options do I have for Sign-On?

What preferences can I set for Sign-On?

Will Sign-On display the number of attempts I've tried to log in?

Yes.  Under the Sign-On Preferences, you can view the number of successful and unsuccessful attempts using Sign-On.

Why would I need to test my signature?

This option allows you to verify your signature before you power off your Palm organizer to ensure that you can gain access to your device.

Why do I need to re-enroll my signature?

Re-enroll your signature if you wish to change the signature template.  This may be necessary if you made a mistake in signing during the previous enrollment or if you would like to sign differently.

How do I re-enroll my signature?

  1. Tap on Re-enroll in the Sign-On screen.
  2. You will be prompted to re-sign your signature.
  3. Follow the prompts to complete enrollment.


Using Sign-On

When will I need to sign?

  • When your device is powered on after the activation time sets.
  • Every time after you perform a soft reset on the Palm device.
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    What happens if Sign-On cannot verify my signature?

    After three invalid signatures, you will be prompted to enter your password to obtain access to your Palm organizer. You do not have to wait for the prompt; you can select to enter your password at any time by selecting Password.

    What can I do if I forget my password?

    You will need to perform a hard reset.  This will erase all your data from your Palm organizer.  CIC strongly recommends a full backup prior to enabling and enrolling Sign-On.


    Technical Support

    Where can I get Technical Support for Sign-On?

    Technical support is available by: