USB Flash Drive Revolution
Posted on 03 September 2008 by Justin
interacting with biomass than with technology.
All of this brings me to the new found realization that it is possible to install programs on a USB Flash Drive. This is an important realization because it will allow me to take essential programs from one internet cafe to another without needing to download and install the desired programs. The installation of programs may or may not be permissible but it would be a waste of money as I will be paying by the hour.
Most programs will allow a user, during installation, to select a USB Flash Drive. Skype does not provide a user with this freedom. It took a bit of tinkering to figure out how to run Skype from a USB Flash Drive, so I thought I would include the directions here to save all of you future world travelers/Skype enthusiasts the effort. (For more information about Skype see Nomad Backpackers Phone Home)
- Download and install the newest version of Skype.
- Install Skype to the local workstation (read: whatever computer you are using)
- Plug in your USB Flash Drive. Create a directory (read: create a new folder) named Skype
- Located the Skype.exe file from where it was installed during step 1. It is usually located at
:
C:/Programs Files/Skype/Phone/Skype.exe - Copy the Skype.exe filed to the Skype directory on your USB Flash Drive.
- Within the Skype directory, on your USB Flash Drive, create a new directory named data.
- Open Notepad. (Start<All Programs<Accessories<Notepad)
- Paste the following line text into the notepad document:
“skype.exe /datapath:”Data” /removable” - Select File<Save As. Name the document skype.bat
- Place the skype.bat file in the Skype directory on your USB Flash Drive.
- Uninstall Skype from your local workstation.
Your done. To start Skype, simply click on the batch filed (read: skype.bat). You will need to login the first time Skype is launched, but all of your settings, voicemails, contacts, etc will be saved to your USB drive.
Tags | Planning, technology
Hi.
Using a USB flash drive is a good idea, but you will get a lot of viruses from other computers. I remember using one in Bangkok and taking it back to Taiwan. It took months to eradicate the infection. My advice is throw out the USB drive after you come back.
My wife ended up infecting her whole university department, thanks to that USB drive. It was kind of funny.
Range,
This is a good thought. I have been working primarily with a Mac for the last 4 years and almost forgot about viruses. I will definitely keep that in mind when we return.
The story about your wife infecting her department is priceless. Thanks for sharing.
No worries,
I’ve tried carrying around a laptop in my travels, but it’s always a pain. USB drive is the way to go and if you have a DSLR, pack up on CF cards as well.
Thailand internet cafés are a hotbed of computer viruses. The USB flash drive I was using infected my laptop and went on from there.
However, there are some flash drives that have some built in virus checkers which might work. You can also lock out the write function of the drive. Don’t know if that would work when you have programs installed.
Anyways, I’ve just checked and the 32GB flash drives are pretty cheap. 64 are just around the corner.
A built in virus check on our USB drives are an excellent idea. I will do a bit of research and post back to here if I find a compact virus scanner worth using.
if you’re really into techie stuff, you can even use secure browsers in that thumbdrive. you’ll be immune from keyloggers also at internet cafe.
Keyloggers….the idea is both evil and fascinating. When you say “secure browsers” are you discussing a specific browser, or simply a browser that is run from the USB drive instead of a workstation at an internet cafe?
Love this post Justin! There is a lot of good discussion here that is definitely useful for world traveling while being able to still stay in contact with all your local homies. You’ll have to keep me posted on this as to whether or not you found a USB drive with a built-in virus protector.
Paul,
Right now I have only been able to find USB drives that come with Virus software. Unfortunetly, most virus protection software is so bloated that it is more of a hassle then it is worth. If I find a solution I will let you know. Currently, I am looking for a cheap (read: free) virus scanner that I can plug into our netbook in order to scan a USB drive that has been used in an internet cafe. I will keep you posted.
Great stuff. Nice to read some well written posts. A long way between them.
I can’t seem to install programs on a flash drive, and an article in the New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/15/technology/15pogue.html?_r=1&pagewanted=2) seems to confirm that it is true I won’t be able to do that – maybe it’s a PC thing? Annoying, cause this seems like such a good idea for editing my raw image files on the go!
Elizabeth
Elizabeth,
It depends on the type of program that you want to install. In some cases, a website called portablefreeware.com will modify an open source program for use on a USB drive. Although I have not used it personally, the program Infran View has some great reviews and is available in a portable version here.