I owe Dr Skip a long round of applause for this one.
Thanks, Doc!
- - -

I have to haul around personally owned files, such as
PCB layout tools, invoice writers, password manager,
documentation editors of several types. I consult on
product designs, like many of us here. Dragging around
a laptop was the normal way to do this, but  carrying
it around my neck would be better.

So, I decided to use a USB Flash drive for windows
XP, since all my clients use that O/S.

I purchased a U3-compatible 4GB Flash Drive. It
works adequately but there is no security... what if
I LOST the flash drive, and an evil person (or my
wife) got it?

What I decided was needed was a U3-like setup that
could be folded up and tucked away between uses.

Dr Skip suggested the use of a TrueCrypt container
to hold all of the applications and working files. This
means that when you no longer need any file from
the container, the container is encrypted properly
into background noise. Then  if your flash drive
falls into evil hands, NO damage is done.

I've been testing this for several days at home and
at two offices, and it works GREAT. Even better,
it is sourceforge and FREE.

I built the 3.5GB container, then filled it with portable
applications (www.portableapps.com) (apps that will
operate within the flash drive and not spill over into
other areas.). Not everything can operate from a
flash drive, but my PCB layout software and most
everything else will.

BTW, I stripped U3 out of the hard disk before I
went to TrueCrypt; its another bloated $MS thingy
and I decided it wasn't for me.

And thanks again, Dr Skip!

--Bob Axtell
-- 
http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
View/change your membership options at
http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist