[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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