How to encrypt USB drives

Researchers say that in the last year over a million of the USB were sold. These USB are generally used for data transfer from one computer to another or used as back up for the important files. The USB media flash drives are used because they are fast and safest mode of file transfer. But what if the USB containing all your company plans, strategies, confidential files falls in wrong hand? It can prove disaster for your career. So it becomes a necessity to use an USB encryption.

So what exactly is USB encryption?

It is a method by which you can secure the data in your USB by encrypting it with a help of cryptographic processing.  It actually converts the data into a logarithmic form which is unreadable to anyone. The processing generally encrypts it such a way that it cannot be decrypted by any software or method. The encryption method requires a unique key referred as password. The user can enter the key and select one or more than one files to be encrypted or decrypted. The process is easy and safe.
Types of USB encryption:

There are two main types:
1.    Software based USB encryption
2.    Hardware based Encryption.

Software based encryption:

It uses computer software for the process. Wide ranges of software are available online some are free and some are paid. Although this software can encrypt your data efficiently but there is a risk of losing some or all parts of your data in the encryption. So you need to be well researched while selecting the software best suited for you. Software like Windows7 Bitlocker, USB safeguard are among the high rated ones.
The main feature of any USB encryption software is to provide consistent security for the data in your flash drive. You can now save your plans, strategies, confidential documents from being leaked out to your competitors. Also most of these software possess military type encryption method which means even if anyone tries to decrypt it using unauthenticated means the software deletes all the information from the drive automatically.

Safety of encrypted drives:

These are actually hardware encryption. The USB device like the Iron key hardware based Encryption device comes with built in encryption system which allows you to directly save your data in the secure environment of the drive and do not require any encryption software to be installed on your computer. Thus it is fast and safe also possess all the features of a software based encryption device. These types of devices are made with rugged and strong material which prevents them from any sort of tampering and other physical damages unlike the ordinary USB drives.

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How to use Microsoft Snipping tool

snipping tool

Basically, the Microsoft Snipping tool is only available for certain versions of the Windows 7 programs.  The snipping tool works like a camera and takes pictures of the things on your screen.  Using this tool would mean that you could be saving time as well as being more productive.  There are some features on some of the computers that allow you to print a copy of whatever is on your screen.  For whatever reason, you need a snapshot.  Well, the Microsoft snipping tool allows you to take a snapshot of your screen.  The advancement though allows you to highlight a portion, snapshot all of it and then post it in a file or to your clipboard.  This feature allows you to cut the activity from the things you do that eat up your time.  It a sweet way to move quickly through detailed work.

There are downloads available for this tool.  However, worth repeating is the fact that it is only available for the Windows 7 program which includes Vista and the XP.  The Experience Pack is the only way that you can get this tool for the XP operating system.  The advantages of the tool over the print screen option are real.  First you can save to file and save the snapshots for later use.  Or, you can save the snapshots to the clipboard and use during your current work.  You can set up a shortcut key to work quickly and efficiently. You have four different methods to capture your information.  That can be hand-drawn, by full screen, rectangular or an active window.  This means that the snipping tool personalizes your work flow.

After you download the software, it would be a really good thing to go through the features and find out what really works for you.  You can look for ways to maximize the features and get the most out of them.  Increasing productivity is one reason to use the Microsoft snipping tool.  Windows Vista should come with the snipping tool in the utility application of your operating system.  However, you can get a copy with the Experience Pack if you have an XP operating system.

The fact that you can use this tool to copy and paste or review material is another bonus feature. The overall advantage to using this tool is being able to increase productivity.  Being able to get more done quicker and more efficiently should appeal to the person who knows time is our most precious commodity.

Read more about the snipping tool