[OPLINTECH] USB Key drives

[Chad Neeper]

Out of curiosity, what is your policy on patrons bringing their own =
diskettes or CDROMs in to use on your patron computers? Like diskettes and =
CDROMS, USB Key drives can be used to store data as well as install =
programs (and viruses and other malicious tools). Should USB drives be =
treated under the same patron use policy as other data storage methods?

Another thought: If you do use the USB ports regularly, you might consider =
buying short (or long) USB extender cables. Plug the extender cables into =
the computer and leave it there. Plug the USB key drives into the cable. =
This way you could secure the end of cable on top of the desk for =
convience, near the monitor for instance. Also, in the case of USB ports =
that are directly attached to the motherboard, this would prevent the =
ports from becoming damaged due to stress. Motherboard-mounted ports are =
not designed to withstand a lot of (or repeated) stress. I've seen =
numerous boards with this type of failure (USB and otherwise). It's =
easier/cheaper to replace a cable than to repair/replace a motherboard.

Chad





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Chad Neeper
Senior Systems Engineer
Network Response Group
614-481-9400

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