4 Must Haves on Your USB Drive

There are many things that you can do with your USB drive. You can carry a variety of portable applications and even a full operating system. You can also encrypt your files, maintain computer security, as well as much more. Applications and programs combined with the portability of the USB drive provide security and convenience for any user. Here are five of my favorite tricks I like to use with my USB:

1. Carry Your Favorite Programs Anywhere

I like to carry many applications right on my USB drive. Countless times have they saved me from impending disaster, especially when I don't have my laptop handy and I'm traveling. There are tons of extremely useful portable applications - IM client, Firefox, even antivirus programs. Everything you need can be found at PortableApps.comPortableApps.com. Pick and download the software of your choice, run the installer, then run the program onto your USB drive. Now your favorite software is portable and can go wherever you go!

2. Lock Your Computer

Worried that someone may tamper and interfere with your data while you are away? Your USB drive can allow you to lock your computer! A good, free program named USB PC Lock Pro can do this for you. This program will work on Windows systems only. It must be installed on the computer you wish to lock, on not on the USB drive.

3. Encrypt Data

Chances are you have some information on your USB drive that you wish to keep secure, so it is best to encrypt your data. Encryption keeps you safe and gives those hackers a headache when trying to accesTrueCryptles. TrueCrypt is a free application that is used to encrypt any data files you have. Keep in mind that you need to have administrator privileges to access the data on the USB.

4. Ensure your Passwords are Secure

Whenever you use a public computer, your passwords as well as other sensitive information are at risk. The computer you use may have a key logger running, you can never be too sure. While I suggest keeping all your extremely sensitive information only on your personal computer, sometimes that option is not alKeePassactical. KeePass Password Safe Portable can be used in this situation. This password manager ensures that you and only you can access your sensitive data. This data will be safe even if the USB drive is lost.

All the above programs are freeware, so go and download them! Enjoy!