4 Surprising Ways To Use Your USB Stick
Posted on: 12 July 2016
From backing up important data to sharing music, photos, and documents with others, the benefits of a USB stick are easy to see. While you may consider yourself technologically savvy, you most likely do not know the full benefits of using these small sticks. The cost is decreasing each day, making USB sticks incredibly affordable, so proper understanding of these tools will ensure you get the most bang for your buck. Using this guide, you will learn a few surprising ways to use your USB stick.
Lock/Unlock your Computer
Most people save important files and log-in information on their computer. If you have to leave the computer, even for a short period of time, you are also leaving your personal information unprotected. Unfortunately, this can lead to personal financial distress and even possible security breaches in the workplace.
By downloading a lock/unlock application onto your computer, you can turn your USB stick into a key for your computer. This key will allow you to lock and unlock the computer when necessary. When leaving, unplug the USB to lock your computer. When you return and need access to your computer, plug the USB back into your drive.
Create a Digital Time Capsule
The obvious use of a USB stick is to store files, but you can store files on this handy tool to serve a meaningful purpose. Consider creating a digital time capsule using your USB stick. If you have children or grandchildren, create a digital time capsule that represents the year they were born. Then, give them this digital time capsule as a graduation or wedding gift years down the road.
Add baby photos and other family pictures, music files that represent their specific birth year, downloaded content of new stories and current events, and even videos before, during, and immediately after their birth.
Connect to Wireless Network
If you use a Windows-based computer, you can use your USB stick to connect to a wireless network in a more efficient manner.
To store the wireless info onto your computer, open the Control Panel. Select the option to view Network Status and Tasks under the Network Settings tab. Once the selection opens, click on Manage Wireless Networks. Choose the wireless network that you want to save onto your USB. Right click on the network and select Properties. When the new window pops up, select the option to copy the network profile onto a USB flash drive.
Insert your USB stick into the computer at this time. Then, click next to begin saving the wireless information onto the USB stick.
After saving, you can insert your USB into other devices, such as gaming consoles and laptops, for an instant method of connecting to your wireless network.
Increase Computer Performance
You can also increase your computer's overall performance by using your USB stick as extra RAM. This extra RAM will allow you to run numerous programs without sacrificing the speed of your hard drive.
Your USB will need to be compatible with the ReadyBoost application. Insert the USB stick into your computer. A box will pop up, asking you what you would like to do with the drive. Click on the option to speed up your system using ReadyBoost.
When the properties window opens, choose Use this Device. Use the slider tool to assign the desired amount of space to ReadyBoost. In most cases, Microsoft recommends a 1:1 ratio between your memory and the ReadyBoost memory.
Click Apply and Ok to save your changes and enjoy optimal performance.
Your USB stick may seem like a small, insignificant tool, but it is an imperative item to have in your arsenal of technology. With these tips, you can use your USB in truly unique ways. Check out a company like Everything But Stromboli LLC to buy a USB stick and take advantage of these benefits.
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