USB smart buttons

> Is anyone familiar with USB "smart button" devices some companies are
> marketing (or giving away as freebies) to consumers?  When the user
> pushes the button it automatically launches a browser to a
> pre-programmed URL (actually it acts as a secondary keyboard to key in
> Windows-R to open the Windows Run box, then enters a URL and hits
> Enter).  The idea is to get users to visit your web site by giving
> them a pretty colored button that lights up.
> 
> Not to pick on a particular vendor, but here's some background info
> from one of the more popular button manufacturers:
> 
> http://www.buzline2007.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage
> =shop.flypage&product_id=2&category_id=1&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_
> virtuemart&Itemid=34
> Plugs into any PC's USB port
> * With one simple push of the button, Smart Button automatically
> activates your browser and your organization's website**
> * New "press-and-hold" second website launch available. Press once to
> launch site one; press and hold to launch site two
> * Light show and web launcher all in one * Great for online contests
> * No need to worry about viruses - Smart Button is a keyboard emulator
> * For keyboards with English language characters only
> * Dimensions: 2 1/4" diameter x 5/8" H, 4 ft. long cord
> * Imprint Area: 1 5/8" diameter
> Up to 180 characters per site. Not reprogrammable.
> **Mac users need to launch browser manually before using Smart Button
> The Smart Button is designed to access any preprogrammed URL. Please
> note: stock product is designed for use on PCs within the U.S.
> USB Smart Button FAQ
> http://www.buzline2007.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1
> 4&Itemid=34
> Q: Does it launch a new web page?
> A: It launches any web page you want us to put into it. Existing or
> new if you create it.
> Q: Can it create an icon?
> A: No, it simply opens your browser and launches the pre programmed
> website.
> Q: Can I get a virus?
> A: Not from the SmartButton. It simply enters keystrokes through the
> USB port. All information is preprogrammed at the factory and does not
> contain any executable files.
> Q: How does it work?
> A: It simply opens your browser and enters the appropriate data for
> the website.
> Q: Where do I plug it in?
> A: Any available USB port on your computer.
> Q: Can I reprogram it myself?
> A: No, the information is preprogrammed at the factory.
> Q: Can I send it back to be reprogrammed?
> A: Yes, we can re-flash the device to a new website.
> Q: How I assure the end use this will not give their computer a virus?
> A: It does not contain files, it can inject a virus no more than
> typing a letter in Word could do.
> Q: Will it be able to be programmed to have a pause so it can go to a
> pass-protected site?
> A: Currently that is not available. Most customers would not like to
> have a device that can bypass their password protected website.
> Q: What kind of software do I need to install?
> A: None, you only need to have an established default browser.
> Q: How long will it last?
> A: Indefinitely, since the USB port powers it, it does not contain
> batteries.
> Q: What happens if I push the button twice?
> A: Nothing, it will simply launch the website twice.
> 
> 
> Michael McCormick, CISSP
> Lead Security Architect, Information Security Technologies
> Wells Fargo Bank
> "THESE OPINIONS ARE STRICTLY MY OWN AND NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF WELLS
> FARGO"
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