USB Media News

Run Your Software From a USB Stick

2012-04-16T14:59:47Z

Running software from a USB stick allows you to work quickly and securely anywhere you go. Apps worthy of consideration include Chrome and Firefox, which will run without leaving a cache on the host computer. Mozilla Thunderbird, Portable Edition, comes from the house of Firefox and is pitched at users who don't want to leave any personal information on the machine it's run on, including address books.

Running software from a USB stick allows freelancers and students, among others, to work quickly and securely anywhere they go. Here's a guide to getting started.

Getting the Media

Find or buy a USB flash memory stick or portable hard drive. You don't need a high-capacity drive. The kind of sticks that are given out at conventions with marketing materials embedded on them should be fine for experimenting.

You can also use a portable hard drive of the kind that comes in an enclosure with a USB connector -- you don't have to use a USB stick.

Prepping the Media

Delete any redundant files on the USB stick by inserting the disk into a spare USB port on a PC and select the "Open Folder to View Files" option.

Select the existing files and delete them by right clicking on them and choosing "Delete."

Picking a Platform

Choose a platform. I'm using the free PortableApps platform, which is open source and features versions of the Firefox browser andMicrosoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) Office-compatible OpenOffice, among other things, including graphics software.

PortableApps Platform 10.1 requires 6 MB installed on stick, and OpenOffice needs 230 MB. Bundles of these apps are available from other companies too.

Downloading the Platform

Download the platform directly to your USB stick by browsing to the platform's website, and downloading the shell.

Allow the platform to install on the stick.

Downloading the Apps

Download the portable apps you want to use. Start with OpenOffice. Again, download it directly to the stick.

It takes a while because the write-speed of a stick is slower than that of the hard drive you may be used to, so allow time.

For the full article click here.

Source: TechNewsWorld.com

USB Flash Drives: More Than A Hot 'Giveaway'

2012-04-02T18:43:29Z

USB flash drives are among the most popular promotional giveaways around. They have a high perceived value, and are sure to be used again and again - giving your brand plenty of 'face time'.

BUT...

USB flash drives are more than just a 'giveaway'. Here are a few ways you can put them to work for your business by utilizing our FREE data upload service.

Drive traffic to your website with an auto link to your site or online store.
Include a digital copy of your catalog and give them to current and potential clients.
Feature customer testimonials for your products
Include video sales pitches or product demonstrations.
Include PowerPoint presentations featuring key information or highlights.

Source

Great New Product for Clubs and Schools!

2012-03-19T19:18:35Z

Check out our newest flash drive the Team Jersey USB! We are super excited about our latest flash drive enabling schools to spread their school spirit! This product is available with separate colored pants and shirts as well as with custom logo printing. Interested in this type of promotional item for your school? Email sales@usbmediacompany.com These are available in a number of capacities from 512M to 16G.

From Floppy Disks to Flash Drives

2012-03-13T17:17:22Z

It seems inconceivable that the floppy disk was once the flag-bearer for digital storage devices. Well into the 21st century, computers regularly retrieved data from these relics of computing antiquity. Their power was on the wane by 2007, though, as 98% of home computers sold in the UK that year arrived without floppy disk drives. That radical shift was a very practical demonstration of the power of the ideas of nanotechnology.

A 3.5-inch floppy disk could store a measly 1.44 megabytes of data - not even enough to fit a single mp3 music file. Today, a small one gigabyte (1,000 megabytes) USB flash drive can store about 200 songs. Inside that drive, electrical charges that encode the data are applied to areas across a silicon chip called memory cells, each of which is made from transistors.

The recent explosion in this cheap, high-capacity hardware is down to the ability of computer engineers to reduce the size of the memory cells that make up the devices.

Check out the full article here.

Source: www.guardian.co.uk

New way to watch movies while flying lands at MSP

2012-03-12T15:08:57Z

This week, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport will debut for the first time anywhere, a dozen vending kiosks that rent or sell movies on a computer flash drive that can be watched on a Windows PC!

The rental service from a company called Digiboo in Santa Monica, CA is being introduced at a time when consumers are shifting away from movie rentals to online movie streaming. These Digiboo kiosks could mark the next evolution in watching video!

The Digiboo service is available to anyone with a credit card, a newer flash drive, and a Windows PC (with an XP or newer operating system). Consumers can rent a film for $3.99 or buy one for $14.99 and Kiosk to Flash Drive downloads take only 30 seconds with a 3.0 flash drive. For older flash drives this process will take about 2-5 minutes. Consumers must provide their own flash drive.

The kiosks will be updated with new movie releases weekly, and will get new movies on the same day they're available on DVD - plus theres NO RETURNS! Some of the big movie studios endorsed the concept that Digiboo is pioneering. In February, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group announce project Phenix, which by the end of this year will enable customers to download high definition movies to their portable devices either from a kiosk or at home disk drive. HBO has also said it may offer movies on flash drives as part of its existing HBO Go service, which today is limited to internet streaming of movies and HBO shows.

For the full article click here.

Source: Startribune.com

Ford Sending Owners a USB Flash Drive for Fixes

2012-03-05T21:46:43Z

Ford Motor Co. will be sending 300,000 owners of the Explorer, Edge, Focus, and Lincoln MKX a USB Flash Drive on March 8th loaded with software to fix problems with MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch systems.

Consumers can install the new software themselves which takes about 60 minutes. The software upgrade that dealers received today, is aimed to prevent system crashes. Ford redesigned over 1,000 screens on the system to make buttons and graphics more responsive.

"This is more than just an update; this is a substantial upgrade" - Derrick Kuzak, Ford's Product Development Chief

For the entire article, click here.

They're more than just great tradeshow goodies.

2012-02-27T15:33:32Z

Companies, from small businesses to large industries, seeking a way to stand out from the crowd, are finding new and creative ways to communicate their unique message using Flash drives. Think about your own company's marketing. How would you use a USB Flash drive to tell your company's story? Photos, video, music, maybe all three? Say thanks, present a new product or innovation? How would your key clients like to get an audio/video thank you card on a reusable Flash drive?

We work with a variety of industries that have various preloading needs from the music industry and Record companies to Fortune 500 companies. Flash Drives are used to distribute data across a large group of people wether its a stranger, employee, or client. Check out our previous post on how Ford is using their 300,000 preloaded USB Drives to help their loyal customers.

For the entire article click here.
Source: Pinscreative.com

Your Next Promotional Item

2012-02-08T19:13:04Z

Customized flash drives that portray your company in a professional manner are quickly becoming a new marketing tool and promotional item for multiple industries. With duplication services that enable businesses to preload important content such as catalogs, brochures, links, videos, pictures, and more these small USB devices are more creative and cost effective than the ancient marketing briefs.

What many businesses are looking for now, is something that will not only be used for its intended purpose but won't be thrown away or break easily. Customers are being more creative and selective when purchasing an item they intend to use to advertise their business. If a company is giving away products with their brand all over them, it is imperative that the product portrays your company in a qualified manner. The quality of items supplied will have a direct effect on how people will perceive your company. USB Media ensures the highest quality chips at the most competitive prices. In addition, with staff in the US and China, we track and control the order every step of the production process.

One of our ECO models: Eco Twister

ATTN: All Fitness Junkies

2012-01-24T18:05:21Z

Are you a runner? Always in workout clothes? We have the perfect solution for you! A silicone bracelet USB Flash Drive!

The perfect solution for those without pockets, purses, keys, etc. Any fitness instructor or athlete can carry their important files with them at all times, pretty neat right? This unique flash drive design benefits college students as well! With a bag full of keys, books, your phone, i-pod, and multitude of other stuff, don't lose your Flash Drive in the mix! The silicone bracelet firmly secures the flash drive and will not fall off with regular movement. Who knows, it could become the next fashion statement....

Check out this green version.

Availabilities:
Multitude of colors
Custom printing: logo, image, or saying
Width: Call for custom width options!

Some of our services...

2012-01-23T18:51:21Z

USB Media works closely with each client throughout their order and production process to ensure their requirements and expectations are met at every level. This includes service requirements including duplication, graphic logos, as well as custom shaped USB Flash Drives. Our clients have requested all types of custom objects such as cars, planes, and remote Flash Drive models, just to name a few. With such orders, our Graphic Artist works to perfect the object, creating an Illustrator mockup of the final product for the client.

Although we request logos and custom shaping upon placing an order, we do provide graphic services for clients who need them. This includes everything from creating the custom shape to simply reformatting a logo to fit on a flash drive cover. A final mockup is always sent for verification before production begins.

In addition, as we previously mentioned here, Duplication services are always available. We have experience pre-loading all types of files. Our Duplicator Software, Image Copies the Master Drive to ensure that all content is loaded exactly as the Master. By verifying each drive, USB Media ensures all your content is readable and all drives were preloaded properly.

Email us at sales@usbmediacompany.com to place an order or request more information about the services we provide and how we can help grow your business!

Our services are a representation of our company and dedication to our clients. We are here to help you, no matter how difficult or large a project may be. Our team works hard to provide quality services and products to our customers.

5+ Reasons Colleges Should Hand Out Flash Drives at Orientation!

2012-01-10T17:11:22Z

1. Flash Drives are less expensive than paper and ink

2. Each USB can be customized with your school's colors and logo

3. You can preload all important information including catalogs, maps, organization information, event information, calendars, discount coupons etc.

4. Students will appreciate all this information compacted into a small device instead of a bag of papers and folders.

5. Great for the environment!

6. Blank (non preloaded) drives are available to order for campus stores

7. Flash drives are much cheaper to print and ship than bulky catalogs. Our university customers tell us that they save on average 50% after factoring the cost of printing and shipping.

As a recent graduate, I know how important my Flash Drive was throughout college. It was my lifesaver! Literally. All of my presentations, homework, papers, documents, pictures, calendar, everything was backed up onto that drive. Even my professors requested all students load their presentations on a USB to save time.

Help your students succeed by offering them a valuable college necessity.

Email us at sales@usbmediacompany.com for a special school pricing.

USB Flash Drive Uses

2012-01-09T15:04:23Z

Most people think of a USB Flash Drive as an office or school item, necessary for presentations, homework, and other important files and documents. However, Flash Drives have a variety of functions useful to anyone.

Load Videos, Movies, & Music
Backup Computer
Speed up your Windows 7 computers through Readyboost
Load Pictures
Share Files that are too large to email
Run Portable Applications
Pre-load a Catalog, Analytic Data, Presentations & more
Loading diagnostic utilities for PC troubleshooting
Booting Your Computer
Data Recovery
Sew a Pattern: You can use the USB drive to put software updates onto the sewing machine. You can also transfer patterns to the machine for automatic creation on your fabrics. Yes, it is the old time world of sewing merged with the world of technology. (Source)

The last one is pretty cool right? There are so many ways a USB Flash Drives can be used! No matter what your age, employed or unemployed, a Flash Drive is definitely a life necessity as it is a great organization tool as well as a tech tool. Do you know of other uses to add to our list? Let us know how you use your Flash Drive!

CES 2012 is almost here!!

2012-01-06T16:15:33Z

The Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show is the largest technology trade show in the United States! Thousands of large and small companies exhibit their biggest and latest tech products of the year, including smartphones, tablets, computers, big-screen TVs, gaming hardware and more. The show draws over 140,000 attendees, including press, retail representatives, investors and analysts.

Although USB Media will not be exhibiting, members from our team will be attending to participate and meet with clients. In addition, many of our USB Flash Drives will be displayed and used on the tradeshow floor by clients such as Experient, one of the nation's largest tradeshow providers! Here is a list of necessities we will be bringing not only to CES but on any vacation/ business trip. Below are a few links about this year's CES show as well as images from previous shows.

Will any of you be at CES? Post your booth number below and we will be sure to visit!

5 Trends to Watch
What to Expect
Everything CES

Creating a Windows 7 Bootable USB Drive

2012-01-05T17:27:51Z

One of the most useful feature for a flash drive is to create a bootable drive so you can install the operating system quickly. Here is an old article from one of my favorite website Arstechnica. It may have been a couple of years old, but still works! Click here for the article.

Make Working from Home a LOT Easier!

2012-01-05T15:20:40Z

"Live CDs" or "Live USB Keys" are a common practice of any IT pro and admin for testing and troubleshooting purposes. Now Microsoft takes the concept of a live operating system to a whole other level. The upcoming Windows 8, slated for a mid-2012 release, lets you run a managed Windows 8 corporate image off of a USB key, which includes more than just your line of business applications but also corporate data, settings, and group policy. "Windows To Go" is a PC in your pocket.

At the Microsoft BUILD conference in September 2011, Microsoft made it clear that Windows To Go is targeted primarily at organizations and specific enterprise scenarios. Microsoft wants this to be the future way for employees to take their managed Windows 8 systems and load them up on PCs at home.

Want to know more? Click Here.