Digsby IM Reviewed

I recently downloaded a new Instant Messaging software called Digsby. I used Pidgin for years which is amazing IM software, but Digsby has more functionality and special features such as popups that let you know when new email is received or updates are made on popular social networking sites, etc.

It's very functional, but there has been some dispute as to just how honest the people at Digsby are? They have taken steps in the right direction and it seems that they are more scrupulous than before by removing much of their crapware from the installer. Kudos to them for that.

Just be aware while installing the software that many options are selected by default such as an Ask.com toolbar. Here are the screenshots from the entire installation process for build 25261, as of this post.

Screen 1

Screen 2

Screen 3 - Deselect these options to kill the toolbar

Screen 4

Screen 5 - I only selected the top option to Launch automatically

Enjoy the software, it really is great except for the installer, and let me know what you think.

P.S. Does the Digsby guy remind anyone else of Homestar Runner? lol

Biometrics Fix

I have read that many people have had issues with the biometrics (fingerprint) scanner not working in Windows 7 while trying to use it to login for a second time. For most, including myself, it always worked the first time but after putting the PC to sleep and trying to login again, it wouldn't work.

After searching all over for a fix, I was unable to find anything that helped. So I waited patiently, and now it appears that Microsoft may have released a fix for the issue. I am running Windows 7 Professional (Build 7600) on an Asus C90S Laptop with an integrated biometrics scanner below the touch pad.

All I did was to temporarily turn on Windows Update and do a scan. Under the "Optional" updates section Windows should have detected an available update for the biometrics driver. At least there was for me, that's how I fixed it. I can't promise this will be available for everyone, but it worked for me.

Best of luck. Please feel free to respond with your own fixes if different from those already posted here.