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TECHNOLOGY EXPLAINED

7 Uses for a USB Stick You Didn’t

Know About
By Christian Cawley / Updated June 11, 2019 / 5 minutes

Christian Cawley
1233 articles

Christian Cawley is Deputy Editor for

Email Facebook Pinterest Twitter Security, Linux, DIY, Programming, and Tech
Explained. He also produces The Really
Advertisement Useful Podcast and has extensive experience
in desktop and software support. A contributor
to Linux Format magazine, Christian is a
Raspberry Pi tinkerer, Lego lover and retro
gaming fan.

Latest Giveaways!
We’ve all used USB sticks to transport files between computers and back up our files, but there are Insta360 GO: The Only
other cool things you can do with a USB stick. You can use one to lock and unlock your computer—just Action Cam You’ll Ever
like in the movies. Need

You can also use a USB flash drive to quickly connect to a wireless network on all your PCs, increase
your computer’s performance, or even run a web server—directly from the USB stick itself. 10.1″ Android Tablet for
Less Than $100?! Meet The
Here are several surprising ways you can use a USB flash drive. Vankyo Matrixpad Z4

1. Use a USB Flash Drive to Lock/Unlock Your PC Turn Dumb Remote-

Controlled Devices into
Smart Voice Controlled
PREDATOR 30 seconds demo Ones, with Bond

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Do you want to lock and unlock your computer with a physical key, like they do in the movies? With the ENTERTAINMENT

free PREDATOR tool, you can! 7 Inspiring Movies on

Netflix That Could Change
PREDATOR turns a USB flash drive into an access control device—a key for your computer. When you Your Life
leave your PC, unplug the USB stick and your computer will be locked. When you return, plug it back
in and your computer will be unlocked.

It’s like using the Lock function in Windows, but you don’t have to type your password when you
return. Latest Videos
When you unplug your USB flash drive, your open windows will minimize, and your screen will go
dark—plug it back in and your screen will turn back on.

Download: PREDATOR for Windows

2. Run Portable Apps Anywhere

Turn Dumb Remote-
One of the oddest things about software is that it usually needs to be installed. With portable apps, Controlled Devices, into
however, that isn’t the case. S O i

Portable apps and games can be easily copied to a USB stick, then run from any suitable device. This is
usually a 32-bit or 64-bit PC. Browsers, email tools, messaging apps, and games can all be run from a
USB flash drive.

It’s a particularly useful solution if you’re keen to keep a selection of apps close to hand to use on any
PC that might be nearby. This might be in a library, or even a cyber café at a holiday resort.
10.1" Tablet for UNDER
Check our list of the best portable apps to find a host of cool things to put on a USB stick.
$100?!

The Best Portable Apps That Require No Installation

Portable apps don't need installation. You can run them from even a flash drive. Here are
the best portable apps around.

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3. Increase Performance With ReadyBoost

PLAY ALONG: Guess the

Movie (SEASON FINALE) |
G S S3 1

How to Stop Irrelevant

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If you have a slow hard disk drive in your computer, ReadyBoost can help speed things up. When you
enable ReadyBoost for a drive, it acts as a hard drive cache, caching frequently used files. If it’s faster to
read from the USB stick instead of your HDD, Windows will read the flash drive cache instead.
Guess the Theme Songs...
You won’t see much of a performance boost if you have a 7200+ RPM drive. If you have a solid-state Again! | TGTS S3E14
drive, Windows won’t let you use ReadyBoost because the cache will be slower than your SSD.

How Do Solid-State Drives Work? Trending Now

In this article, you'll learn exactly what SSDs are, how SSDs actually work and operate, Should You Upgrade to NVMe? 6
why SSDs are so useful, and the one major downside to SSDs. Reasons to Stick With SATA SSDs
by Bertel King
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by Ben Stegner

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To enable ReadyBoost, right-click a USB stick in Windows Explorer, select Properties, and use the
When It’s Not Working
options on the ReadyBoost tab. Windows will only let you enable ReadyBoost if your USB stick is fast by Christian Cawley

enough, so you might see these options grayed out for some devices. ReadyBoost also requires a flash Google Maps Makes It Easier to
drive with at least 256 MB of free space. Use Public Transit
by Dave Parrack

You Can Now Watch IMDb TV on

4. Make Backups With Win32 Disk Imager Android or iOS
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Oz With an Easter Egg
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Passphrases and Update Your
Security
by Mihir Patkar

Latest Deals
Pay What You $867
Want: The $1
If you’re using your USB flash stick for many purposes, it might be useful to backup the contents. An Complete Ruby
easy way to do this is with Win32 Disk Imager. on

Although Win32 Disk Imager is usually used to write bootable disk images to flash drives, it can also
The Complete $2330
create images. Simply install and run the tool, insert the USB stick, and select a destination and name SEO & Digital $49
for the Image File. Click Read to clone the disk contents. Mega Marketing

When you need to restore the disk image, simply browse to the image and click Write.

Download: Win32 Disk Imager for Windows The Mighty Mac $1815
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VPNSecure &
5. Store Vital Travel Documents
If you travel often, you’ve probably mislaid documents. Visas, booking confirmations, even passports Complete $387
can easily go missing. Packing papers in the wrong bag can lead to problems if baggage handlers make Microsoft Azure $29
a mistake. Certification Prep

One solution is to save all travel documents to a compact USB flash drive and carry it with you. This
might even include scanning your passport, if only to provide immigration with the information they Affiliate Disclosure: By buying the products we
need to conduct background checks if your passport has gone missing. recommend, you help keep the lights on at MakeUseOf.
Read more.

6. Install Almost Any Operating System

Bootable USB disk images of operating systems can be used to install a new OS on your PC.

For example, Windows 10 users can create a bootable USB installer disk using a dedicated tool. In the
event of a problem with the operating system, this can be used to recover or even reinstall Windows.

Similarly, all manner of Linux based operating systems can be installed from USB. Many offer a live
environment, giving you get a feel for the OS which runs direct from USB before installation.

It’s even possible to create a USB installer disk for macOS.

How to Install macOS From USB

Want to install macOS from a USB drive? We'll walk you through this alternative method
for installing macOS.

READ MORE

7. Stay Secure Online With Tails Live Operating System

Alternatively, you might be looking for an OS that you can run from USB to keep your online activity
private.

The solution to this is Tails, which unlike standard operating systems, preserves your privacy and
anonymity. No logs are kept on the operating system. Meanwhile, state of the art cryptographic software
encrypts your files, emails, and instant messages, while internet data is routed via Tor.

Each time you use Tails on your USB flash drive, it starts a whole new session, retaining no data. This
helps to enhance your online privacy and security—just be sure to use secure passwords!

Download: Tails live operating system

7 Different Ways You Can Use a USB Flash Drive

By now you should have an idea of the different ways you can use a USB flash device.

1 Unlock your PC
2 Run portable apps

3 Improve Windows performance

4 Store vital documents for travel

5 Backup your USB flash device

6 Install any operating system

7 Stay secure with Tails operating system

However, we’ve only scratched the surface. You’ll find many other ways to use a USB flash drive.
We’ve even looked at some flash drives you can use with your iPhone.

Struggling to get your USB device to work? It could be a problem with your computer. Here’s how to
fix a broken USB port.

USB Ports Not Working? Here's How to Diagnose and Fix

It
USB ports not working? This article explains how to quickly identify the problem and fix
it as fast as possible.

READ MORE

Explore more about: USB Drive.

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How to Make a USB

How to Format a Write Installation Disk for How to Format a USB
Protected USB Windows 7 Without How to Fix a Windows Drive and Why You
Pendrive Extra Software 7 Infinite Reboot Loop Would Need To

How to Check If
10 Ways to Improve What Are the Different What Is a Static IP Someone Is Stealing
Gaming Performance Computer Cable Types Address? Here’s Why Your WiFi & What You
on Your Laptop You Need to Know? You Don’t Need One Can Do About It

TECHNOLOGY EXPLAINED

What Are Powerline Adapters? 9

Things You Need to Know
By Andy Betts / Updated August 28, 2019 / 5 minutes

Andy Betts
188 articles

Andy is a former print journalist and

magazine editor who has been writing about
Email Facebook Pinterest Twitter technology for 15 years. In that time he has
contributed to countless publications and
Are there any parts of your house that your Wi-Fi network doesn’t reach? The solution could be to use produced copywriting work for large tech
powerline adapters. companies. He has also provided expert
comment for the media and hosted panels at
These devices offer a quick and easy way extend your network. They’re affordable and don’t need you industry events.
to install any extra cables in your home.

Let’s take a look at what you need to know about powerline networking.

What Is a Powerline Adapter? Latest Giveaways!

Insta360 GO: The Only
So how do powerline adapters work? The idea is simple and ingenious. They extend a wired internet Action Cam You’ll Ever
Need
connection throughout your home, not by running new cables but by transmitting the signals along the
electrical wires already in your walls. All you need to do is plug in an adapter where you need it.
10.1″ Android Tablet for
how powerlines work
Less Than $100?! Meet The
Vankyo Matrixpad Z4
Powerline Ethernet is perfect for:

Extending the network in homes where a single Wi-Fi router isn’t enough.
Turn Dumb Remote-
Connecting devices that don’t support Wi-Fi. Controlled Devices into
Smart Voice Controlled
Providing a faster network connection to rooms where running an Ethernet cable isn’t practical. Ones, with Bond

If powerline networking sounds useful to you, here are a few things you should know before diving in.

1. Starter Kits Come in Packs of Two

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Think of powerline adapters as a way to extend your network from point A to point B, wherein each PRODUCTIVITY

point is an electrical outlet around your house. Because of this, powerline Ethernet devices typically How to Use OneNote for
come in starter kits of two, as a single device is useless on its own.
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and Teachers
You can purchase more to extend your network around your house; just make sure all of your devices
ENTERTAINMENT
are compatible (more on that later).
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Generally you’ll be plugging one of these into the walls near devices that need a connection and one
Your Life
near your router. The TP-Link AP600 is a popular and affordable starting point.
PRODUCTIVITY , ANDROID

How to Use Google Assistant

TP-Link AV600 Powerline Ethernet Routines to Automate Your
Adapter - Plug&Play, Power Saving, Entire Day
Nano Powerline Adapter(TL-PA4010
KIT)
BUY NOW ON AMAZON $34.99
Latest Videos
May also be available from: Newegg ($34.99); Dell ($39.99); Best Buy ($39.99); Lenovo
($39.99).

2. They Need to Connect to a Router

connect powerline to router
PLAY ALONG: Guess the
Movie (SEASON FINALE) |
Powerline Ethernet devices don’t do the things that routers do, such as assign IPs. This means that, for
G S S3 1
your powerline devices to be useful, one powerline adapter needs to be connected to your router.

Basically, you can think of powerline adapters as an extension of regular Ethernet cables. Connecting
one computer directly to another isn’t going to be useful. The router is what grants internet access to the
computers.

3. They’re Really Easy to Set Up

How to Program Arduino in
VSCode (Using Platform.io)
TP-Link Wireless Powerline Setup Tutorial Video

How to Stop Irrelevant

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Setting up powerline Ethernet couldn’t be simpler. The devices are almost always plug-and-play. Plug
them into the wall, connect the Ethernet cables, and generally you’re good to go. Turn Dumb Remote-
Controlled Devices, into
Some devices include security functionality that requires you to press buttons at the same time to “sync S O i
up”, but exact methods vary depending on the specific devices.

4. Cheaper Than Cables Through Walls…

Unless you plan to remodel your house soon, running cables through your walls usually isn’t practical.
You can pick up a powerline starter kit for less than $40, which is certainly cheaper than taking your
wall apart to run wires. 10.1" Tablet for UNDER
$100?!

5. …But Not Quite as Reliable

powerline one star review

Browse the reviews of any powerline Ethernet device and you’ll see a few people complain about
random disconnects and slow speeds—though you’ll also see a lot of 5-star reviews raving about an
easy setup and great speeds.
Guess the Theme Songs...
What gives?
Again! | TGTS S3E14

In some cases, this may be a defective device. A lot of the time, however, the electrical wiring in the
house just isn’t ideal for powerline Ethernet. Maybe there’s too much distance between two plugs, or
maybe there’s interference on the line. Trending Now
It’s almost impossible, without consulting an electrician, to know how well powerline internet will work Should You Upgrade to NVMe? 6
Reasons to Stick With SATA SSDs
for you. Even if your house is ideal, the result probably won’t be as fast or as stable as plugging straight by Bertel King

into your network with an Ethernet cable. How to Customize Any Icon in
Windows 10
As an alternative, consider upgrading to a router with longer range. by Ben Stegner

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When It’s Not Working
by Christian Cawley
The 7 Best Wi-Fi Routers for Long Range and Reliability
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Experiencing Wi-Fi network issues at home? You might need a new router. Here are the Use Public Transit
best Wi-Fi routers for long range at home. by Dave Parrack

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6. Connections Are Limited to Your House Privacy Violations and Defeat It
by Mihir Patkar

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Worried about security? Most powerline devices offer some form of encryption, so make sure you use Oz With an Easter Egg
that. But in most cases, the signal won’t make it outside your home. by Dave Parrack

5 Password Tools to Create Strong

If you own your own house and pay your own electrical bill, know that your neighbors can’t use your Passphrases and Update Your
connection even if they buy a compatible device. This is because the signal from powerline adapters is Security
by Mihir Patkar
scrambled by transformers, and there is almost certainly one between your house and the outside world.

If you live in an apartment, however, there’s a chance your neighbors could pick up a signal, so make
sure your adapter supports encryption—and that you turn that functionality on. Latest Deals
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8. Cross-Brand Compatibility Isn’t Guaranteed

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Though several companies make powerline adapters, they don’t all play nicely with each other. If you Leadership $29
want to ensure complete compatibility, including the use of all security functionality, it’s simplest to buy Bundle
the same make and model every time.

There are specifications, however, meaning it’s possible to get powerline adapters from different
companies to work with each other under some circumstances. The two major specifications are
HomePlug and G.hn. Generally, if you have two adapters using the same specification, they should
work well together (though the security protocols might not work).

Really old devices (such as HomePlug 1.0 devices) will not work with newer ones, though the really old
devices are generally so slow that they’re not worth bothering with anyway. Be sure to research
compatibility before buying two different kinds of adapters.

9. Look for Powerline Adapters With Wi-Fi

XBOX One speed test comparison using WIRED, WiFi and Powerline Ada…
Ada…

Finally, there’s the powerline adapter vs. Wi-Fi question. Which is better? It depends.

Generally speaking, wired connections can be more reliable than wireless, although in the case of
powerline internet it depends on the quality of your electrical cabling. Wi-Fi is certainly more
convenient.

Fortunately, you don’t have to choose between the two. You can simply buy a powerline kit that
supports Wi-Fi. Many don’t, especially if you’re shopping at the cheaper end of the market, but there are
plenty of decent options that do. Take a look at the Netgear Powerline Kit as a good example.

NETGEAR PowerLINE 1000 Mbps

WiFi, 802.11ac, 1 Gigabit Port -
Essentials Edition (PLW1010-
100NAS)
BUY NOW ON AMAZON $102.94

May also be available from: Walmart ($102.95); Newegg ($115.99).

This gives you the best of both worlds. You can get a fixed, wired connection to a desktop PC or games
console, but also extend the reach of your Wi-Fi network so that you can still get online with your iPad
or any other device that relies on a wireless connection.

Which Powerline Adapter Should You Buy?

Now you know what’s involved with powerline adapters, what’s the next step? Finding the right one to
buy. We’ve recommended a couple, but for a more in-depth look see our guide to finding the best
powerline adapter for your home network.

The 5 Best Powerline Adapters for Your Home Network

Looking for the best powerline adapters for a more reliable home network connection?
Here are the best models you can pick up today.

READ MORE

Explore more about: Buying Tips, Computer Networks, Ethernet, LAN, Network Tips, Powerline.

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6 Reasons You Should The 5 Best Powerline 9 Things That Might Be What Are the Different
Replace Your ISP’s Adapters for Your Slowing Down Your Computer Cable Types
Router Home Network Home Wi-Fi Network You Need to Know?

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Miracast: What’s the 5 Mistakes to Avoid What Is a Chromecast 5 Common Bluetooth
Difference? Which When Buying a and How Does It Myths You Can Safely
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