Abstract: A device for establishing a secure computing environment on a host computer. The device can include an interface configured to couple to the host computer. The device can also include a configuration module configured to identify a file that comprises configuration settings of the host computer's native boot loader that is used to load the host computer's native operating system. The configuration module can create a backup copy of the configuration settings of the native boot loader. The device includes a memory that holds a secure operating system. The device can also include a modification module configured to modify the configuration settings of the host computer's native boot loader to cause the secure operating system to be loaded from the device in place of the native operating system.

Abstract: A device for establishing a secure computing environment on a host computer. The device can include an interface configured to couple to the host computer. The device can also include a configuration module configured to identify a file that comprises configuration settings of the host computer's native boot loader that is used to load the host computer's native operating system. The configuration module can create a backup copy of the configuration settings of the native boot loader. The device includes a memory that holds a secure operating system. The device can also include a modification module configured to modify the configuration settings of the host computer's native boot loader to cause the secure operating system to be loaded from the device in place of the native operating system.

Abstract: A portable, biometrically-secured device for facilitating various different types of in-person and online transactions. For example, the portable, biometrically-secured device can be used to safely perform in-person financial transactions, such as credit card transactions, in which the user's identity is biometrically authenticated. The portable, biometrically-secured device can also be used for performing biometrically-secured online transactions. For example, the portable, biometrically-secured device can be used to create a secure platform from which to make the online transactions by loading a secure operating system from the device to a host computer's volatile memory. Biometrically-secured online transactions can then be performed using the host computer. In one embodiment, the portable, biometrically-secured device facilitates online financial transactions that can be performed without transmitting a user's financial information to the online merchant.

Abstract: A portable, biometrically-secured device for facilitating various different types of in-person and online transactions. For example, the portable, biometrically-secured device can be used to safely perform in-person financial transactions, such as credit card transactions, in which the user's identity is biometrically authenticated. The portable, biometrically-secured device can also be used for performing biometrically-secured online transactions. For example, the portable, biometrically-secured device can be used to create a secure platform from which to make the online transactions by loading a secure operating system from the device to a host computer's volatile memory. Biometrically-secured online transactions can then be performed using the host computer. In one embodiment, the portable, biometrically-secured device facilitates online financial transactions that can be performed without transmitting a user's financial information to the online merchant.