Setting Up a Flash Drive to Run Automatically by Derek Rogers

USB flash drives are a simple solution for easy backup and storage of important data. With a storage capacity that meets or exceeds the amount of data available on a DVD, USB drives are unique in that no other hardware is needed. Once plugged into a USB slot, the information on a flash drive is immediately available to the host computer. One of the nice features of CD-ROM and DVD drives is the ability to automatically run a disk when it's inserted into the drive. USB flash drives under Windows have similar functionality, but with a few limits where XP is concerned.

When a flash drive is inserted into a Windows XP driven computer, the operating system reads the files then offers the user options of how to continue (the same process as when a data CD is inserted in a drive). Depending on the type of files on the drive, the operating system displays options relevant to the file types. In other words, if you insert a flash drive containing mp3 files, Windows will offer the option of automatically playing the music in Windows Media Player or another media program that might be installed on the computer. There is a check box under these options that controls whether or not the operating system performs the same function anytime a drive is inserted with the same type of files. Checking this box will allow you to skip this step, so the next time you insert a drive with MP3's the program you chose will run automatically.

Setting up a program to automatically run directly from a flash drive in Windows XP is a little more complicated. A third-party program will need to be installed that will give the user the option to run the program when the flash drive is inserted. The inability to auto run a program from a USB drive is a security feature in XP to prevent malevolent programs from compromising the operating system's integrity.

In contrast, Windows Vista does allow this feature. A program on the root directory of the flash drive is run by creating a text file (with a text editing program like Notepad) named autorun.inf. The autorun.inf file should include the line "[autorun] open=XXX.exe" (without the quotes) where XXX is the name of the program you want to run. Save this file to the flash drive, making sure the extension is 'inf', not 'txt'. Once the drive is inserted again, choose 'Always Do This For Software and Games', then 'Run This Program'. Whenever the drive is inserted again, the program will run automatically.

Some computers are also capable of booting directly from the flash drive by changing CMOS options. With the proper CMOS settings, the computer will first attempt to boot from a flash drive inserted in a USB port. If bootable files are not located on the flash drive, the operating system will automatically boot from your hard drive as normal. A handy feature should your computer crash and modifications to your unbootable operating system need to be performed.

Flash drives are able to do everything CD-ROMs and DVDs can do, usually with greater ease. The fact that new computers all have USB ports, but vary in DVD or CD-ROM availability, is an argument for the USB drive's indispensability over any other storage medium.

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How Do I Remove a Virus From My Computer - Basic Protection From Viruses by Kevin T Hope

During the Trojan war, Greek soldiers hid inside a wooden horse to gain access to the city of Troy. In much the same way, trojan horse viruses gain access to your computer by masquerading as harmless programs and applications. But how do I remove a virus from my computer?

The goal of the trojan horse virus is to break down all of the safety nets and security measures that are placed on a computer. This can prove to be just as dangerous to your system as the real horse was to the city of troy.

The scary part is you can end up with a computer virus through no fault of your own. What appears to be a joke from your friends appears in your inbox. Open that attachment and you could end up with a computer virus. Or you could innocently download a music file or video from a website only to realize that you have let in a virus.

No you've given up control of your computer, and everything on it. The person who created the virus now has access to your entire system. Scary, isn't it? These people can easily learn all of your passwords, your banking information, your credit card information, and anything else on your system or utilized online.

Thanks to these hackers and identity thieves, you need to learn how do I remove a virus from my computer. The sooner you realize that the virus has infected your computer, the faster you can take the steps necessary to destroy it and then prevent it from ever returning again.

Always remember the golden rule when it comes to all computer viruses- an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Always be careful and mindful of what you choose to download. Be extremely picky. Only get files from family members, friends and others whom you know that you can trust. If you follow these very basic rules then the ounce of prevention will be all that you will need.

If you reach the point where you must asking "how do I remove a virus from my computer" then you have already fallen behind in your security efforts. The best solution is a complete re-installation and a complete cleaning of your hard drive. This can be a long, drawn out process but it will do the trick nicely.

Another option is to buy anti-virus software that will find a way to attack the Trojan horse on your computer without the hassle of the re-install. It is important however to get software that specifically states that it can find and destroy the Trojan horse virus. Not all anti-virus software programs are created equal. Buy the one you need for the problem you are encountering.

How do I remove a virus from my computer you ask? Remember the ounce of prevention rule and follow it as best you can. If on the other hand your computer gets bitten by the virus, do what needs to be done.