Abstract: A computer access system utilizes an authentication gateway through which a user accesses a computer. Requests to access the computer are passed through the authentication gateway and the authentication gateway provides a code, such as a log-in name and password, to the computer. The log-in name and password are preferably unknown to the user such that access to the computer can only be achieved through the authentication gateway. In one embodiment of the invention, the user accesses the authentication gateway with a log-in name, password, and a biometric sample. Association of a biometric sample with a particular user is made through the use of an identification validation source that confirms the identification of an individual user.