| Knowing how to password protect and partition a | | | | partitions (it all depends on how many banks your flash |
| USB flash drive is very important to the safety, | | | | drive has). Every other platform will permit just two |
| integrity, and manageability of your data. | | | | partitions. |
| When you partition a USB flash drive, you make it so | | | | For password protection of your USB flash memory |
| that you can write software into your flash memory | | | | drive, there is a free program called Cryptainer LE that |
| while at once running software in another bank of your | | | | many people use. Now, to use this program you need |
| flash memory (thus you will need a flash memory with | | | | to slice up your drive into segments (the software |
| at least two banks; one bank = four memory chips). | | | | does that for you), but the maximum volume size per |
| Partitioning is used to enhance manageability, | | | | segment is 25Mb--meaning that a lot of files that aren't |
| performance, or data availability. | | | | the usual text files can't be protected unless you use |
| The BIOS command for partitioning your USB flash | | | | multiple drives, which is very cumbersome. Another |
| drive is: Router (config) #partition flash partitions [size1 | | | | program that is similar but isn't quite as restricted is |
| size2] | | | | Folder Lock, which allows you to set up a password |
| Note: if you are running a Cisco 1600 or 3600 series | | | | protection system on your PC and then export it to |
| router (modular, multiservice access platforms), your | | | | your USB flash drive and then put different folders |
| command would be: Router (config) #partition | | | | under digital lock and key in different "lockers". |
| flash-filesystem: [number-of-partitions] [partition-size] | | | | Another program called Securestix (not free) let's you |
| There is software called BootIt that you can download | | | | pick and choose which USB flash drive files you will |
| and use to cause Windows XP or Vista to allow you | | | | password protect. Let's face it: some files that are |
| multiple USB flash drive partitions by "Flipping the | | | | highly valuable to you just don't have any meaning to a |
| Removable Bit" that restricts partitioning. However, this | | | | would-be identity thief. |
| software is potentially harmful to your flash memory | | | | Some flash memory drive devices come with |
| drive and is not recommended. Two other flash | | | | password protection software. These typically allow |
| memory partition software packages that are more | | | | you to designate some files as "public" or "private", and |
| reliable are Advanced Partition Manager 6.0 (lets you | | | | some might even come with fingerprint reading |
| create, copy, resize, and move hard drive partitions | | | | security programming. |
| without data loss), and Rohos Mini Drive (lets you | | | | Again, knowing how to password protect and partition |
| create a password protected USB drive partition on a | | | | a USB flash drive is important knowledge that allows |
| guest computer). | | | | you to operate your flash drive with safety and better |
| Cisco routers permit more than two flash drive | | | | performance. |