COOL USES FOR A USB DRIVE YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT
The USB drive is a small but useful part of our lives for many people. It secures your data, allows you to have a backup, and lets you transfer your data with ease. But did you know that there are other hidden uses as well for a USB drive? Let’s find out.
Carry Your Apps- Running a new OS can be scary and confusing, especially since you have to part with your apps. A USB drive can carry your apps so you don’t have to get rid of them completely. So you can stay in Windows but most of your apps can be stored on the USB drive. The benefits are like running Linux from a USB stick. You also have the ability to take your files and apps everywhere you go. As long as you know you’ve got a PC with a spare USB port at your destination, it’s a lot easier to carry a USB stick than a full laptop.
Clean Up Viruses- Getting hit by a virus is frustrating and can make cleaning it up very complicating. The advanced malware or viruses are difficult to find and can’t be removed with common techniques. Some even make it impossible for you to log in or access your PC. Instead, have a backup ready on your USB. You can get free scanners that can be downloaded on a USB. All you have to do is plug in the USB and they will do the rest.
Boost Your Speed- Windows has a technology called ReadyBoost, where a USB drive can be used as a disk cache to speed up read and write times. It’s not quite as effective on more modern systems, but it’s still worth a try and can make a significant difference to performance if you’re dealing with an older Windows laptop or desktop. To use ReadyBoost, stick your USB drive into a Windows computer, then open up File Explorer, right-click on the drive, and choose Properties. Open the ReadyBoost tab and follow the instructions on-screen to prepare the drive — the dialog box should tell you if the drive and your system are suitable for ReadyBoost, and if you’ll see any benefit.
Network with People- A really cool way of using your USB drive is to ensure you have your CV, resume, samples or portfolio on it. That way when you meet prospective professionals or colleagues, you can pass on your data without worrying about having your laptop or CV on you. They are useful so professionals will consider it a gift when you hand out a USB drive to them. There are also business cards available with a USB drive built in which can come handy for entrepreneurs and business owners.
Browse the Web- Browsing the web through your regular search engines or phone can put your privacy at risk. A USB drive can be helpful if you want to clean up your tracks or browse the dark web. It erases all your activity once the stick gets pulled and switched off. Some USB drives have built-in encryption which makes it impossible for anyone to get your messages or information.
Create a USB mixtape- Creating a mixtape was one of the coolest things to do in the early 2000s. You can also create your own, customized playlist by using a USB drive to store it and share it with your friends or loved ones. This is an amazing way to introduce people to new music or have a ready playlist when you are in a car or working and don’t want to rely on the internet. Try to create something compact or something that is an album sized so as to not overwhelm the listener.
Pack for a Trip- Having the physical files or information with you on a vacation is essential. Most people don’t have access to data or the internet when they are in a new country. If you have your travel documents, itinerary, addresses on a USB drive you can just go to a local cafe and plug-in it in a computer or ask your hotel receptionist to check it for you.
