More uses for USB keys

FileZilla is an FTP aplication and download manager that will work from a USB key, and is handy for transferring large files to and from the internet.

To download it, select the ZIP option and choose a mirror from which to download the file. Then unzip the file into a folder on the USB key. When running it, select XML if asked to choose between storing settings in the Registry or in an XML file.

There is also a portable version of Open Office, the free office suite. This is quite large, at 65Mb, but it’s within the limits of a 128Mb key. Remember to save any created documents on the USB key, rather than on the host computer.

If your USB key is already loaded with MP3 music files, XMPlay is a tiny music player. Download the ZIP and unzip it to the USB key, then run it from there.

Media Player Classic is another useful media player, which can also play video. There is only one file in the ZIP, so download it and extract it to the USB key to use it. While it’s not practical to carry a whole anti-virus application around, the Stinger from McAfee is a tiny tool that can detect certain major viruses. Download the .exe file to the USB key and run it from there.

As for entertainment, many old games can be installed on a USB key by copying the game folder. Take a look at www.abandonia.org for a repository of older games.

There are several websites that list USB-suitable applications, with instructions for installation and use. You can find a large directory at www.tinyapps.org

It’s always important to safely remove the USB key. Once you have finished working, wait for the light, if there is one, to stop flashing, then left-click the Safely Remove Device icon in the Taskbar. Select the USB key and Windows will make it safe to be removed.

Obviously, the capacity of the USB key will limit the number of these applications that can be used. The developers have kept them as small as possible, but it might be necessary to do some pruning rather than installing all of this software.

One interesting option is to install Linux on a bootable USB key – DamnSmallLinux is designed for this and is a good way to try Linux without having to install it on a hard disk.

Some foreign banks are also experimenting with using USB keys. This would involve loading a file onto the key to unlock a bank account, and would work in conjunction with a password or other form of security.

In a similar vein, Steganos Safe 8 is security software that allows users to create a data key on a USB drive, which can then be used to unlock data on a PC. The danger is that if the drive is lost, the data can’t be accessed. Deslock also supplies software that will store a data key on a USB drive. The software is free for personal use, after registration.

Some keys come with dedicated features. The Clipdrive Bio, by Memory Experts and the Sony Microvault Fingerprint both include biometric fingerprint readers. These can come in handy if you are concerned about data falling into the wrong hands.

Alternatively, the Freecom FM-10 Pro includes its own security software, while Sandisk’s Cruzer range includes USB keys that come with both security and synchronisation software, making it easy to keep files up to date and secure.

Finally, U3 is a new standard of USB key. A U3 drive works with specially written software to allow users to carry around whole applications. Internet telephony and media players are among the programs available and more are lined up for the future.

Disk to the rescue
It’s possible to make a ’boot disk’ from your USB key, which can sometimes be used to rescue a PC that refuses to start. This is a tricky process, but worth a look if you’re a confident PC user.

The easiest way to do this is to use software such as Prime Expert’s FlashBoot. This can create a boot disk with MS-DOS on it, which can be used to diagnose and fix some systems. The downside is that FlashBoot has to be paid for, although there is a demo version.

The computer’s BIOS needs to be suitably equipped for it to be able to start from the USB key – check with the manufacturer to see whether it supports USB ZIP or USB HDD booting. If you know how to get into the BIOS set-up (usually by pressing F1, F2, Del or Escape when starting the PC) you can check for yourself.