The Lord of the Rings

 by Doug Smith

 http://web.archive.org/web/20000411021033/www.ed2go.com/news/ibutton.html

The Guardians of the Universe possess the powers of the Green Lantern ring. Years ago, a Guardian crash landed his spaceship on Earth and tasked test pilot Hal Jordan with the powers and responsibilities of the ring and he became the Green Lantern. Of course, Hal would eventually hand the secrets over to Kyle Rayner, who became the new Green Lantern.

Well, kids, you too can now be the Green Lantern. All you need is a green mask, some green tights, and your very own Java Powered Ring.

Ok, so your ring won't be the most powerful weapon in the universe with the ability to create solid light images that can be shaped to take the form of anything you imagine, but it can still do some cool stuff. Green Lantern couldn't use HIS ring for instant easy access to the Hall of Justice, his e-mail or bank account. You'll be able to use YOUR ring for all of this and more. Green Lantern, Green Schlantern!

Primarily the Java ring is your key to completely reliable identification for access to computers, networks, e-mail and so on. The Java Ring can give secure access to Internet accounts and e-mail, Automatic Teller Machines, restricted areas, and can also contain information on inventory, processes, maintenance, and delivery. 

The heart and soul of the Java powered ring is the Cryptographic iButton developed by Dallas Semiconductor. The ibutton is a small chip contained in a protective case such as the Java Ring, a keychain, bracelet, watch, wallet, or badge. 

The identification is based on two important elements: possession of the ibutton and the entering of a Personal Identification Number (PIN). You press your ring to the reader and the ring provides its own PIN, which even you don't know. The ring's key number is a 1024 bit piece of mathematical data that includes 308 decimal digits, too hard for even Einstein to crack on a good day. 

If the compartment containing the iButton is tampered with, data is subsequently erased. The validation system currently works like ATM validation in that no entry, access, or transactions are permissible until the PIN number is validated. 

Besides personal computer access, many companies currently utilize the iButton technology to control physical access to restricted areas within their facilities. These companies include hospitals, laboratories, offices and banks. Transit fare carriers in Turkey use iButtons, Ryder keeps track of truck maintenance with iButtons, the U.S. Postal Service uses iButtons for mailbox identification, and cows in Canada wear them to keep track of vaccination records. 

To use this technology yourself, you primarily need an iButton, which can be contained in a number of aforementioned devices (the Java Rings are available in many custom sizes for about $65, which you can order). Next, you need the Connectivity Pack, which consists of a Blue Dot Receptor which can be connected via a serial or parallel port on your computer. These Blue Dot Receptors are available for less than $20. Finally, you need the software, which you can download free of charge.

Not a high price to pay for your very own ring of power!