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TallGuyShort
#10 is freaking awesome - I hadn't thought of that before. It certainly raises the cost of losing a flash drive, or having it get damaged, although I'm sure there are ways around it.

The others are mainly blatantly obvious uses, or windows-only suggestions (many of which do have counterparts in other systems).

tyvkiuiyi
You can enter a password to reset it. But you can always just start Windows in safe mode and uninstall the app!

For real security Truecrypt your hard drive and store the key file on the USB key - in this case, do NOT lose the usb key!

ciupicri
Or even better, FreeOTFE (it's compatible with LUKS).
tyvkiuiyi
Thanks I hadn't seen that, although OTFE can't (yet) encrypt the system drive.
_b8r0
This is a terrible article. Everything is either old, well known or old and well known (with the possible exception of the screen lock by USB feature).

Truecrypt with keys on a USB key will ensure that your systme can only be booted with it around (or the recovery CD)

paulgb
Old to us maybe, but the author probably had more of a consumer audience in mind. I'm not sure how it got on the front page here though.
jlees
You can store MP3 files on your USB key to play off Windows Media Player from ANY MACHINE? Man, this is THE FUTURE.
malvosenior
Gives me a great idea for a portable mp3 player that's basically a headphone jack, battery and usb outlet. Plug in your usb stick and BAM! instant iPod Shuffle.
tyvkiuiyi
All mp3 players used to be like that, remember paying $100 for a 32Mb version.
alexgartrell
I actually owned this for like a year.

It was literally a USB stick with a display on it and a headphone jack.

When you wanted to listen to music, you slid it into a battery pack that wrapped around it and juiced it from a double A batter.

robin_reala
It was a Creative Muvo. A friend had one, was pretty neat for the time.
malvosenior
yeah, but it should be an attachment for ANY memory stick not an all in one unit.
jacquesm
One of the coolest things you can do with a USB flashdrive is to stick Ubuntu NBR on it and make it bootable. That way you can always have your computer in your pocket wherever you go. Best thing since sliced bread, just hang it off your keyring and you're good. Borrow a computer somewhere for 10 minutes, reboot when ready. Save all your documents on the flash as well.

I think something like this will soon be used for internet cafes and schools as well as libraries. You may not be able to afford the computer, but $5 for a stick is within most peoples budget.

w-ll
I like this idea for security reasons. Running community laptop with vista. And keep all my settings in a stick.
alexgartrell
Or BackTrack, for free wifi at the airport! (Ubuntu + Wireshark works too)

*note, this is illegal, and you shouldn't do it, ever. Also, delete your mp3's.