4 smart reasons to keep an old USB drive around

Give your old tech a new lease on life! Outdated devices still have plenty of potential. Think of old phones becoming security cameras, tablets transforming into e-readers, and laptops repurposed as dedicated media servers. This principle of hardware recycling extends perfectly to USB drives.

Carry Your Applications Anywhere

Portable applications, programs that run directly from a USB drive, offer unmatched convenience. Simply unplug and move the drive to another PC – your favorite apps go with you. This is invaluable whether you’re commuting between home and office or switching between computers in different rooms.

PortableApps.com is your one-stop shop for a vast selection of portable applications, including web browsers, productivity software, and games. A central interface, acting like a start menu, manages everything from your USB drive.

Popular choices include GIMP Portable for on-the-go image editing, Google Chrome Portable for web browsing, and AIMP Portable for media management. Choose the apps that best suit your needs.

Emergency Troubleshooting

PC troubles like bugs, crashes, or viruses can strike at any time. While online downloads are often the first response, internet access may be unavailable due to malware or system errors.

A USB drive pre-loaded with troubleshooting utilities provides a crucial backup. Download essential tools beforehand, ensuring they remain unaffected by any issues on the main computer.

Several excellent free options exist. Emsisoft Emergency Kit and Dr.Web CureIt! offer robust virus and malware scanning. Avira Rescue System tackles Windows settings and configuration problems. Microsoft Safety Scanner also provides a portable virus scanning solution.

Run a Portable Operating System

Beyond portable apps, you can run an entire operating system from a USB drive – OS, applications, and files included. Several open-source Linux distributions, such as Linux Lite, Puppy Linux, and MX Linux, support portable modes. Choose the distribution that best fits your requirements.

Installation instructions are usually available on the distribution’s website. Tools like Etcher simplify the process of converting the Linux OS into a bootable USB format. Simply plug the drive into another PC, boot from the Linux USB, and bypass the computer’s regular OS. Your PC’s boot instructions (often requiring pressing a key like Delete or F8 during startup) will guide you through this process.

Create a Windows Recovery Drive

Windows includes powerful recovery tools, but inaccessibility can occur. A Windows recovery drive on a USB stick acts as a crucial safety net.

In Windows, search for "create a recovery drive" to launch the utility. Follow the on-screen instructions. Note that this drive won't contain your personal files; regular backups are essential.

In case of system failure, boot from the recovery drive (usually by pressing Delete or F8 during startup). Select Troubleshoot, Advanced Options, and Recover from a drive to reinstall Windows.

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