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Post by Robin Hood on Jul 21, 2011 8:35:37 GMT -6
I found this a while back and started using it, it is EXTREMELY handy. I can run lots of utilities and other stuff (games) straight from my USB stick at work without ever having to install anything on my work computer... |
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Post by Chicago Jake on Jul 21, 2011 9:59:52 GMT -6
Pretty interesting. But what advantages does it have over cloud apps like Gmail and Google Docs and Google Calendar?
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Post by ♥ COVID-19♥ on Jul 21, 2011 10:26:04 GMT -6
It would sound like the advantages are mobility (you can run the apps from your USB drive on any computer that will accept that drive) and the fact that you wouldn't need an Internet connection as you would with Cloud-based application, hence you could run them offline.
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Post by Chicago Jake on Jul 21, 2011 10:31:03 GMT -6
I guess that makes sense. You wouldn't need an internet connection, but you would need to carry your stick with you. Interesting trade-off.
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Post by ♥ COVID-19♥ on Jul 21, 2011 10:56:17 GMT -6
It makes sense for use in companies where security is hardened to the point where there are restrictions for what (if any) applications may be installed by an ordinary user or even restrictions on Internet access.
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Post by Chicago Jake on Jul 21, 2011 11:51:16 GMT -6
True. But in many government offices (like the DoD ones where I frequently find myself) USB drives are not allowed. Strange but true. They think they represent some sort of security risk.
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Post by ♥ COVID-19♥ on Jul 21, 2011 12:04:27 GMT -6
Yeah, I know -- the company where I used to work, we had fed accounts and they had restrictions like that (among other inscrutable ones), so using something like this tool might not be of much use in that specific scenario. === Edited: FYI ... www.us-cert.gov/cas/tips/ST08-001.html |
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Post by nolaflacav on Jul 21, 2011 14:42:12 GMT -6
True. But in many government offices (like the DoD ones where I frequently find myself) USB drives are not allowed. Strange but true. They think they represent some sort of security risk. They say they don't allow a USB but I bet they are just joking. You should hide one in some sort of body cavity next time and see if you can circumvent security. Just don't use a USB that has a detachable cap. |
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Post by ♥ COVID-19♥ on Jul 21, 2011 14:57:13 GMT -6
Why do you assume he doesn't hide one in his body cavity already?
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Post by Robin Hood on Jul 21, 2011 21:20:48 GMT -6
FEMA actually doesn't "allow" USB devices... however they are not policed. For me as an IT person, I DREAD the day that I can't use a USB drive when working on someones computer. In a Joint Field Office (JFO) setting that I work in, it goes something like this:
1. User checks into JFO
2. User picks up Laptop from Accountable Property Office (APO)
3. User turns in paperwork requesting network access and email set up from IT
4. (this is where I come in) IT sets up user accounts on local server including a personal share folder
5. (my job also) IT goes to user and sets up their laptop to access the FEMA network, this includes installing several location specific files to access wireless access points and local printers, set up an Outlook profile and set up any specialty software the user might need (Visio, Google Earth Pro, MS Streets and Trips, etc.)
6. (also my job) IT then maintains server access and backups and maintains records for the users assigned to our specific disaster.
Where USB drives come in so handy for us is when we actually have to put hands on a users computer and install special software. I have a 16GB USB drive that has nothing but software installation media and printer drivers on it. Since our users don't keep their laptops when they leave the disaster they also use their USB sticks to store documents and records on between disasters. I personally own about 6 USB drives... they have everything on them from a full blown Ghostcast server, Windows installation media, FEMA Laptop images, and my personal documents and records on the deployments... they day they take away our USB sticks will be a sad day indeed. Being in IT I also travel with two USB portable hard drives that are 1TB each and are both loaded with all kinds of stuff as well.
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