ISSN 1061-5725

This Month’s Presentation

Tom Wharton columnist for the Salt Lake Tribune will talk about Gear, Gadgets, and Gimmicks

Vol ume 23, No. 12 December 2005

www.ucs.org This Month’s Meeting: Wednesday 14th at 7 pm James Alexander Check “How To” presentation: “From slides/pictures to DVD Out movie, preserving and sharing Images” Reviews Watch the Powerpoint Presentation of SanDisk’s USB Flash Drives These Blue Chip guys sure on want a lot of computer stuff Pages 4-16 for Christmas!

Utah’s Award Winning Computer Magazine! y liff illward, ditor [email protected]

Thanks Has FireWire Fizzled? I wish to thank all of you that sent me e-mail about Is Apple about to drop FireWire, the standard it my illness last month. It was nice to know that people are created and for so long fostered. concerned about my health. It seems as though I am still Certainly, that’s what Apple notebook-oriented having some problems after the flu shot, but not serious. website O’Grady’s PowerPage suggests. Apple has al- I just don’t feel quite up to par. ready dropped FireWire from the latest iPods, much to Enough about me, lets get on the news! the annoyance of numerous users. It’s clearly shifting its allegiance to USB 2.0, which while What’s for Christmas? technologically inferior to FireWire is Guess What? LCD prices are com- fast enough for almost all PC-peripheral ing down! Promotional pricing on LCD connections. monitors caused unit sales to increase by Recent 36 percent during Thanksgiving week. Batteries, inc. Some retail stores cut prices on 17-inch Engineers in Japan have developed monitors to $150, while 19-inch moni- News a flexible battery that is less than a mil- tors could be had for as low as $169. limeter thick and can be charged in half Overall, the average price of an LCD a minute. dropped from $365 during Thanksgiving The battery has been designed for week in 2004 to $318 this year. use in applications such as active radio Proview Technology, which offered deep discounts, frequency identification (RFID) cards and could provide led LCD monitor sales for the week, capturing 24 per- enough power to keep such cards running for several cent of sales. Samsung followed with 20 percent, while weeks before requiring a recharge. Hewlett-Packard and Gateway tied for third with 17 The device is an “organic radical battery,” a technol- percent. ogy developed by NEC that uses materials that are more Is this Christmas the time to get rid of that old CRT environmentally friendly than the chemicals found in monitor? I’m holding out for a wide 24 incher for about common rechargeable batteries $500. (Guess I’ll be waiting for quite a while!) One of the features of such batteries is their ability to be charged quickly. The device unveiled yesterday Online content to remain free? can be charged to about 80% of its capacity in about European publishers warned Tuesday that they can- 30 seconds. not keep allowing Internet search engines such as Google Inc. to make money from their content. The new models Diana Grants You Funds? of Google and others reverse the traditional permission- Antivirus experts have warned us to beware of a based copyright model of content trading that we have spam campaign that promises a sizable grant from The built up over many years. Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund. This stance backs French news agency AFP, which Some of the messages contain links to Web sites is suing Google for pulling together photos and story asking for bank account details, and in some messages excerpts from thousands of news Web sites. recipients are directed to wire funds by Western Union Can this be a harbinger of things to come in the US? to certain people. Will we eventually have to pay for everything we see or Finally, I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and do on the Internet? Personally, I don’t think so, but ev- a Happy New year! erything seems to be possible with computers. Finè

Page 2 Blue Chips Magazine —December 2005 Blue Chips Magazine

“Utah’s Award Winning Publi ca tion” Magazine Staff Charter Member of the Editor — Cliff Millward 955-9633 Association of PC User Groups Review Program Liaison — James Alexander 250-2269 Review Product Editor — Donna Nendell 565-9594 Review Editor/Product Recruiter — Don Nendell 565-9594 Photography — LeRoy Johnson Officers and Trustees Eve. Phone E-mail Proof Reader — Larry Lamph, Doug Jackson President, Rick Gregory 582-7783 [email protected] Vice President, Sean Wolsey 489-3819 [email protected] Advertising Rates Secretary, Lowell Kenedy 278-3035 lkenedy@networld,com Treasurer, John Witzel 296-1390 [email protected] Ad costs 1 month 3 months 6 months 12 months 2 Page Spread $150 $400 $700 $1200 Stuart Gygi 576-1891 [email protected] Full Page $100 $275 $500 $900 Frank Herriott 943-7765 [email protected] Half Page $50 $130 $250 $450 Doug Jackson 322-2337 [email protected] Quarter Page $25 $70 $130 $225 LeRoy Johnson 581-1348 [email protected] Business Card $15 $30 $60 $120 Larry Lamph 571-2908 [email protected] Full page size is 71⁄2 x 10 inches. All other page sizes are based on a 7 x 10 inch page in order to conform to editorial style. Half-page ads may be 7 x 5 inches or 31⁄2 x 10 inches. Quarter-page ads are 31⁄2 x 5 inches. Business card ads are 31⁄2 Information x 21⁄2 inches. Persons or companies may join or renew at the meeting, or by sending a check payable Classified Advertising to the Utah Computer Society to: Utah Blue Chips members may place personal classified ads at no charge. Maximum ad size is 7 lines, 35 characters per line. Utah Computer Society Membership Secretary Submissions P.O. Box 510811 Members are encouraged to submit text articles for pub li cation in ASCII Salt Lake City UT 84151 text only. Photos in .TIF or .JPG format only. Line graphics, tables, in almost any vector or .TIF format. Do not imbed graphics or tables in text files. All articles Individual memberships are $25/year. Business Memberships are $35.00 a year. must be received by the 15th of the month preceding the month of publication. All Corporate sponsorships are available at two levels. Corporate Sponsors enjoy all benefits articles become the property of the Utah Computer Society and by submitting an of mem ber ship including multiple individual membership and prepaid advertising coverage. article, the author gives per mis sion for the Blue Chips Magazine Staff to edit the submission. The author also gives permission for republication in other users groups’ Contact a Board Member for more information. $10/year memberships without the magazine communications. are available for students other family and Senior Citizen Center members Permission to Copy Other important information: Permission is granted to other nonprofit PC user groups to reproduce any Meeting Information http://www.ucs.org article published in this newsletter, provided credit is given Blue Chips Mag a zine Group Business (James Alexander) 250-2269 and the author (s) of the reproduced materials. Re print ed articles are subject to the Magazine (Cliff Millward) 955-9633 terms of their respective copyright holders. Program Coordinator (James Alexander) 250-2269 Web Site http://www.ucs.org WebMaster 272-8949 Membership (evenings) (Bob) 262-6045 MONTHLY MEETING LOCATION 2nd Wednesday of every month

December Renewals

Cliff Millward Ryan Millward Douglas J. N. Taylor

University of Utah Engineering & Mines Classroom Bldg. Room 104, 7:00 p.m.

Page 3 Blue Chips Magazine —December 2005 SanDisk Titanium USB Flash Drive (Part 1) Highest Performance in Armor Plating

Reviewed by Don Nendell Free! Includes the full version CruzerLock™ 2 data security software (upgrade to version 2.1), Hardware Review PocketCache™ (back_up) and CruzerSync™ (Outlook & My Documents folder synchroniza- Manufacturer: tion) software SanDisk, Inc. Hi_Speed USB 2.0 certified (backwards 111 Java Drive compatible with all USB 1.1 ports) Sunnyvale, CA 94089 Retractable USB connector Phone: (408) 542_0500 Distinctive Blue LED FAX: (408) 542_0503 Compatible with Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, XP and Mac OS 9.1.x+, OS X v10.1.2+ Product Support: Certifi ed Windows XP and Mac OS X (866) SANDISK (726-3475) Web Site: http://www.sandisk.com Introduction Pricing, Availability Having spent quite a lot of time Available in capacities ranging from 256MB these past few years closely following to 1GB The complete line of Cruzer USB Flash the development, and subsequently re- Drives are available through authorized SanDisk viewing these tiny, amazing “Phenoms,” retailers and e-tailers across the country, or direct (Note. See also all my past USB Flash from their web site at: Street prices for the Titanium Cruzer USB mag.php>) I present to you a couple Flash Drives vary widely (See my comments of “new” ones to favorably consider. below), but visit their web site for latest pricing Yesiree Bob, for the 512MB Titanium, 1GB Titanium and the 2GB Titanium To Find the Nearest Retail Store to you goto: “It’s 2-fer time. Step right up folks. Two reviews for the price of one.” Today we are beyond fortunate to devices with digital data. Sure beats System Requirements be able to bring to you the top two (2) of those old floppy disks, wouldn’t you Windows / Macintosh the latest, greatest and fastest of a long say? And, cheap too! Pentium PC or Macintosh Computer with USB Support line of outstanding USB fl ash Drives Windows XP (Home or Pro), ME or 2000 available on the market today. I pres- SanDisk’s Complete Note. No additional driver installation is ent to you, the SanDisk Cruzer Titanium Product Line required. (512 MB) and the SanDisk Cruzer Micro The list of the products they sell was However, Windows 98 and 98SE do re- so impressive, I felt I just had to present quire a special driver (downloadable from their (1 GB) Flash Drives. web site) to you a close-up of their complete line. Available USB Port(s) SanDisk, the Company They market the: Cruzer Titanium, Note. USB 2.0 Port is required for Hi-Speed SanDisk, the world’s leading sup- Cruzer Micro w/ MP3 Compan- data transfer ion, Cruzer Mini, CompactFlash, Caveat on Disconnecting: You don’t plier of fl ash memory cards, offers the need to shut down your computer to dis- broadest range of Hi-Speed USB 2.0 Connect and Connect-Plus Wi-Fi connect the USB Flash Drive, but, repeat fl ash drives to meet your every need. So Cards, Digital Photo Viewer, Ex- BUT, “You should never remove the device now everyone can store and transport treme CompactFlash, Extreme from the USB port while the LED is fl ash- SD Card, Extreme Memory Stick ing. If a drive window is open, close any documents, pictures, presentations, mu- associated windows before attempting to sic and video clips - quickly and easily. PRO, Extreme III CompactFlash, remove your USB Flash Drive” (See more And, I might add, I personally think Extreme III SD Card, Extreme III on this in Part 2) these new SanDisk Cruzer USB flash Drives are the van- guard of a completely new breed of USB Specifi cations and Features: Flash/Hard Drives ar- Performance: 9MB/second write and >15MB/second read speeds riving in the marketplace Memory Dimensions: 8.5mm x 20.8mm x 74.8mm today. Finally, they too, S t i c k (H x W x L) are doing lots more P R O , Stylish Liquidmetal® body than just simply “Stor- Virtually Indestructible _ crush force resis- Gaming tance to more than 2000 lbs ing Stuff!” and Jam- C ar d s, Laser etched graphics and fi nish packing these “tiny”

Page 4 Blue Chips Magazine —December 2005 ImageMate 12-in-1 Reader/Writer, So, What’s It All About Alfie? = 1 billion bytes (a Floppy Disk is 1.44 ImageMate 5-in-1 Reader/Writer, I’ve often had a very strong (held MB) ImageMate CompactFlash Reader/ in check only by space, time and avail- Writer, ImageMate USB 2.0 ability considerations) desire to share At the risk of repeating myself, it’s Reader/Writer, Memory Stick, with you, here in these reviews, some all really quite simple; if you only want Memory Stick PRO, Memory of the hundreds of different reasons, to move “stuff” around, and not be wor- Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick “Why a USB Flash Drive may be ried about security and safety, etc., you Duo, miniSD Card, MobileMate the ‘Portable Data Storage’ Solu- have but to look in the Sunday ads and MS+, MobileMate SD+, MultiMe- tion for You?” When you think of those buy the cheapest USB flash drive you can diaCard, PC Card Adapter - 6-in-1, cute, tiny little plug-in USB Flash Drives, find. They’re really all essentially PC Card Adapter - CompactFlash, smaller than most lighters, that can store the same, given any particular Reduced-Sized MultiMediaCard, Multi-Megabytes of data, “It’s not hard purpose. It’s akin to choosing an au- Sansa™ e100 Digital Music Player, to come up with a zillion little ways they tomobile, e.g., “Different Strokes for SD Card, Shoot and Store, Smart- can make life easier.” Different folks!” What you really have Media, Ultra II CompactFlash, to do is to know exactly what you want Ultra II SD Card, Ultra II Memory The Particulars, or “Selling to use them for? Do your research and, Stick PRO, and xD-Picture Card. the Benefits” then buy the best, and biggest SanD- Some nitty-gritty refresher informa- isk for its value you can find in those That’s some “Wow!” I’d say? And tion (maybe?) for you. The highly reli- very same Sunday ads. more to the point of this review, they able portable USB drives (with capaci- proudly state, “No matter where you ties ranging from 16 MB to more than You May Not Have Given Any need to go . . . or what you need to take 80 GB, and growing*) are nonvolatile Thought to This Point What-So- with you . . . the SanDisk Cruzer family flash memory devices, the smallest be- Ever includes a sleek and stylish solution to ing about the size of an AA battery. To To repeat what I’ve been preaching meet your needs.” be sure, you can plug one of today’s little ad infinitum in all my reviews these USB Flash Drives into any USB (2.0 or past 4-5 years now, for me, it’s all in the FYI This review is being written 1.1) port on any desktop computer or embedded security features and how in mid- to late-November, and upon Notebook PC running Windows (or strong, secure and utilitarian they are; consulting today’s (the Sunday) Ads for Macintosh) anywhere, without and bottom line, ultimately how easy street and comparison prices, it appears any additional power, and the PC they are to use. that there is a USB Flash Drive (price?) instantly and automatically recognizes Note. I personally must go deeper war going on out there. For example, at it and loads it. Now, here’s the best part than that because, as you may recall, Circuit City they are advertising the 512 of the deal, when you’re done with what when I personally add my patented MB Cruzer Titanium, after rebates, for you’ve been doing, “Stop” all activity technology to any of them, and that $39.99. Also a competitor’s 1 GB USB on the USB Flash Drive, then “Safely includes the Titanium, it actually con- Flash Drive is advertised on that same Remove” it (see more on this in Part verts them into the cheapest, and best page, after rebates, for $49.99. Since 2). The data stays right where you put 2-factors of authentication plus storage, the overall prices are relatively close, I it. There’s no need for batteries, or any- transport and ease of data handling in feel we must separate the “Wheat from thing. Just take it with you “wherever the world. But, for you, the reader, for the Chaff” here somehow! “Price com- you care to go,” plug it back in again, your own personal safety, “security” parison,” evidently then, doesn’t seem and your data is immediately available should definitely be a very strong con- to be the “Thrashing Machine” we’re right where you literally left off. Truly sideration when choosing a USB Flash looking for, so what then makes one folks, that’s really all the “Techie Stuff” Drive. Here “Titanium Rules!” USB Flash Drive stand out over all the anybody really needs to know about USB others’ competitive products? Let’s see Flash Drives. They’re godsends, and I These marvelous playthings are if we can shed some light on the subject truly think they’ll be around for a long very scary and dangerous security-wise here then? time to come. (Espionage? Sabotage? Terrorism? Ma- liciousness? Et al.), because these tiny things are so downright fast, have such gigantic storage capacities, are so ubiq- uitous and easy to use, and they are also very easy to conceal on one’s body or clothing. For instance, all it takes is just one disgruntled present, or former em- ployee, with unobserved access to sensi- tive customer data to wreak extremely * A quick re- costly and devastating havoc. For minder: 1 Mb = 1 those and other very basic reasons, that’s mil- lion bytes and 1 GB what makes the “security features” of these SanDisk Cruzer products so im- Page 5 Blue Chips Magazine —December 2005 portant to me personally. Bottom line: disks, which are now totally Passe, male portion of the USB Flash Drive This “most important feature of but still very usable. actually slides out from within the all” is what makes these great devices 3) Basically, if you are familiar with titanium housing protecting it, instead so vital to own. That is, “Protecting USB Flash Drives in general, you’ll be of being exposed (with a plastic protec- the privacy” of one’s own “Stuff.” As right at home with the SanDisk Cruzer tive cap on it) like all the others are (1st in the example above, with the built-in line of products. One can safely say, Wow!). Which brings us to those re- security of Titanium, lose one of these “Know one, know them all!” So, placement caps - you know, you always babies and your stuff is still safe. more specifically, what makes the Cru- seem to lose them no matter how hard SanDisk Cruzer products have, in zer Titanium (and Micro) so different you try to keep them safe? large part, some “additional” important from the rest of the pack? fabulous features that set them apart The next thing you notice about the from all the rest, e.g., things such as: Part 1 “The Titanium” beautiful shiny titanium skinned USB Performance, Large Choice of Capac- The Titanium 512 MB USB Flash Drive (2nd Wow!) is the gorgeous ity Sizes, Durability, Sleek and Stylish, blue LED light showing through the Speed (Fastest drives in the market- Titanium “self-locking” slide out place), Strength, Backwards compat- cover/protector (3rd Wow!) which ibility with USB 1.1, Tech Support, blinks when data is being transferred at Ease of handling, Fabulous security fea- the fastest rate available (to date) when tures, Uniqueness, Competitive Pricing going “to and/or from” the Titanium. Backed by the World’s leading supplier Note. This is the precise area to of flash memory cards, etc., etc. Flash Drive (Sandisk’s M1A2 which the caveat above refers when Abrams Main Battle Tank) you are attempting to actually “Safely If you demand the highest perfor- Remove” the Titanium from the PC USB Flash Drive “Commonali- mance USB Flash Drive on the market (more on that in Part 2). ties” today, the SanDisk Cruzer Titanium 1) Some USB Flash Drives are sim- is most definitely for you. This is one Next, A beautiful “slide-on” belt ply too wide for side-by-side multiple- very stylish, and definitely very chic clip (in “matching titanium” metal?) ( placement and ease of handling in those and cool, USB Flash Drive, but it is also 4th Wow!) is included in the basic pack- very handy external 4-port USB Hubs. one that has been designed and built to age along with a nonstandard issue, Not so with the Titanium - it is an excep- provide extra protection against the different style, detachable, near- tionally stylish, extremely rugged, and inevitable bumps and jolts of a typical handy-dandy portable neck lanyard incredibly fast USB 2.0 Hi-Speed Flash workday. The Titanium is considered and carrying/detachable hook. Drive. With its ultra-thin profile and virtually indestructible, featuring a ti- Pause for the Cause Here. Have super-sleek design, the Titanium goes tanium-coated metal casing for unprec- you ever noticed exactly how hard it is anywhere with ease and safeguards your edented durability*. With read/write to attach that portable, carrying neck valuable data like a Bank Safety Deposit speeds nearly three (3) times faster than strap they all give you to the end of Box, only one you can get to anytime other USB Flash Drives, Titanium is the any USB Flash Drive out there? (This you may choose. Matter-of-fact, the best way for business and power users part should’ve, would’ve, could’ve been complete SanDisk Cruzer USB Flash to store and move key documents, pic- the 5th Wow! But, alas. Not!) I will Drive line fits perfectly in all of the tures, presentations, music and all other say however, that once you do get that external 4-port USB Hubs, simply types of personal files. Only Titanium tee-niny ring installed in the Titanium’s because they are so narrow and easy to offers such a unique combination of end; “It isn’t about to come out of handle. speed, strength and durability, in such there, ever!” Especially concerning the Note. From here on, Please be style and elegance. Titanium, this could easily have been advised to always buy the “Powered” * Cruzer Titanium is virtually inde- one of those Xmas package warnings: USB 2.0 4-port Hubs (as a minimum) structible, capable of surviving a force of “A child (with three hands?) can easily because everything nowadays is USB up to 2,000 pounds, simulating abnor- put this Lanyard and key ring together 2.0-based. Further, if you don’t have mal usage conditions (See the SanDisk thing?” Truth be known. I ultimately one of those handi-dandies already, web site for ended up using my old “dusty” Belkin and have found out the “hard way” additional sup- 55-piece Computer Tool Kit to actually that, most unfortunately, your only USB porting data on put it together, no lie! But, after all port is located in the back of your PC, this particular that, this baby is like a U.S. Army M1A2 you also should have already installed, claim). Abrams Main Battle Tank! and be using, a USB 2.0 extension cable S o m e (which can be easily purchased at Radio major points Last, but certainly not least (Yoda Shack - since SanDisk does not include of difference Note. “Surely, jest you do?”), the one in their package, like some other between the “FREE” CruzerLock2 data “security” competitors do). Titanium and software (and SecurDataStor) program, 2) The USB Flash Drive is the ulti- all the rest along with some other great trial mate replacement for the 3.5 inch floppy The USB ware programs such as: Pocket- Page 6 Blue Chips Magazine —December 2005 puter into your you want to share with someone(?), own” - in the office, somewhere(?), anywhere(?), and you at home, at school, or don’t want to tote a Laptop all over in an Internet Café, the place, then do it “securely” with a and be- yond. A true Mobile SanDisk Cruzer Titanium USB Flash Desktop at your fingerprints! Drive - Just like I do. Who knows? Note. It’s Like I predicted a while back, it is now “FREE” and fully functional getting to be a mark of distinction walk- w i t h Cruzer® Titanium ing around with some “important and Cruzer® Pro- ‘dangly thing’ hanging around your file. Caveat. It’s a neck?” 30_day trial ver- Bottom Line. I heartily endorse sion for Cruzer® and highly recommend SanDisk’s Cache™ Micro and Mini. (back_up) Cruzer Pock- and CruzerSync™ etCache™ for Ti- tanium Cruzer Pocket- Cache enables you to perform regular and repeated backup of (Outlook & My Documents folder syn- PC files and directo- chronization) software on the Flash ries, typically for months, onto a single Drive itself (6th, no 5th Wow!) have had Titanium Flash Drive. line of USB Flash Drives without res- my most obedient and reverent atten- Note. “FREE” and fully func- ervation or hesitation. So, “Go for tion from the git-go, and truthfully, they tional it!” Like I’ve been known to say on an are really the main reasons I wanted to occasion or two before: “Happiness review these Cruzer products in the first In Summary is definitely ‘ANY’ Working Com- place. So, “let’s dally here” a short while, Built to withstand an incredible puter, and most especially, when if you please? 2,000 pounds of crushing weight thanks to its space_age Liquidmetal® casing, I’m ‘playing with,’ and ‘displaying publically,’ my stylish, chic, and CruzerLock™ 2.1 (Version No. the Cruzer Titanium is both extremely cute little SanDisk Titanium 512 v6.4.0.21) rugged and incredibly fast. SanDisk MB USB Flash Drive.” CruzerLock 2 is a security proudly proclaims, “With its sleek titani- Ciao application designed to protect um casing, a retractable USB connector P.S. We invite you now to continue your personal data files. Your and distinctive blue LED indicator, the with Part 2, the sequel, on page 8, a individual files can be encrypted Titanium will almost certainly become review of the 1 GB SanDisk Cruzer Micro / decrypted to prevent unauthor- the benchmark for style and sophistica- USB Flash Drive. ized viewing. CruzerLock™ 2 is tion in the USB Flash Drive market,” To powered by software from en- which I happily to add, “Yea verily!” cryptX Corporation, the makers of premier data security prod- ucts. Given all my usual past computer Note. See Micro review (Part 2) problems getting started on “any” for more details review, shucks ;-}, I’ve told you ad nau- CruzerSync™ seam about them for such a long time CruzerSync™ software allows now, this time it was, once again, a SanDisk Cruzer® users to: 1) Easily “no-brainer.” This is finally getting to and securely (AES 128_bit encryption) be fun working with those, “Oh-so-easy- access, edit and restore ALL their per- to-use,” “totally and utterly utilitarian,” sonal files (productivity documents, au- “handy at any and all times,” “all-pur- dio and video files, bookmarks, etc.) and pose” USB Flash Drives. SanDisk’s USB Outlook® data (emails, attachments, Flash Drives really are at the top of the calendar, contacts, notes, tasks) at any- “Best and Most Advanced USB Flash time from any computer in the world; 2) Drives List” in the business today. Synchronize all your documents (Word, They’re darn well worth their weight in Excel, etc.) on top of all your Outlook “Gold,” and then some. information and send emails from any computer; and, 3) Revolutionize person- Story Moral: When you’ve got al productivity by “turning any com- something “digitally important” Page 7 Blue Chips Magazine —December 2005 SanDisk Cruzer Micro USB Flash Drive The “itty-bitty” Powerhouse (Part 2) Reviewed by Don Nendell Part 2. The “Micro” USB Flash Drive Hardware Review Manufacturer: Transfer, store and share your SanDisk, Inc. fi les the smart way! The SanDisk 111 Java Drive Sunnyvale, CA 94089 Cruzer Micro’s incredibly “tiny” com- Phone: (408) 542_0500 pact size (The “itty-bitty” Power- FAX: (408) 542_0503 house) unbelievably puts up to 2GB of fl ash memory in your pocket. Connect it Product Support: (866) SANDISK (726- 3475) to any computer with a USB port, and Web Site: http://www.sandisk.com it makes storing, sharing and transfer- Pricing and Availability ring all of your fi les a snap.Better yet, Available in capacities ranging from 128MB SanDisk Cruzer Micro is one of the fi rst to 2GB The complete line of Cruzer USB Flash Drives USB fl ash drives being released world- is available through authorized SanDisk retailers wide that’s U3 Smart capable, so you can and e-tailers across the country, or direct from carry your programs (1st Wow! See their web site at: Street prices for the Micro Cruzer USB Flash anywhere you care to go. Drives vary widely, but visit their web site for lat- est pricing These drives are designed for Note. The SanDisk Cruzer Micro MP3 fi rst-time buyers, or anyone that needs Companion web site price was $69.99 (when last posted). The Cruzer Micro MP3 Companion is de- to transfer a limited number of fi les. As signed to work with the Cruzer Micro USB Flash I have espoused in quite a few earlier Drive (which is not included in the price) to pro- BCM reviews on USB Flash Drives (See vide MP3/WMA music playback compatibility ), with these To Find the Nearest Retail Store to you goto: easy-to-use Plug ‘n Play (PnP) devices, every user gains a whole new range of on the Micro for fast, easy access from System Requirements (See Part 1) mobility options. Now with the SanDisk most computers worldwide, like they Cruzer Micro line of USB Flash Drives Specifi cations and Features: always have, as of now, everybody you can go even farther, said “practi- Dimensions: 7.9mm x 18.95mm x 52.2mm can take the actual programs that (H x W x L) cally unlimited,” that is, in the mobil- use this information right along with Brilliant Green LED ity arena. Stylish “plastic protected” metal casing with them, anytime, as well as anywhere, changeable colored skins and caps they want to go (More on this wondrous No longer limited to being simply Free! CruzerSync™ Outlook synchroniza- benefi t to follow below). Now, we’ve tion software, and SignUpShield™ password just one of the “great” USB Flash Drives getting somewhere! This is the sort manager software, includes U3 platform (Goto of the world (know one, know them of “stuff” that separates the “wheat ) all) with their huge storage capaci- Hi_Speed USB 2.0 certified (backwards from the chaff!” compatible with all USB 1.1 ports) ties, where: 1) Not only can students, Compatible with Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, for example, use the Micro Drive to Just a sidenote here. The neat XP and Mac OS 9.1.x+, OS X v10.1.2+ (securely) transfer fi les from school li- accompanying carrying lanyard was Certifi ed Windows XP and Mac OS X braries to their home PC, or 2) Families literally “a snap” (pun intended) to put with two or more into the Micro’s end, but then, it’s not home computers supposed to be a “Tank” like its brother, using the Micro the Titanium is either? (See Part 1) Drive to move fi les from one computer Also, I didn’t get the MP3 player to another, instead that is made for, and “mates perfectly of setting up a with,” the SanDisk Cruzer Micro. So I network, or 3) In- can’t comment on this feature, but it’s dividuals safely simply got to be the 2nd Wow! storing their PIN In passing, I must say, I truly believe numbers as well that the Micro is the smallest USB Flash as emergency Drive I’ve ever seen. It can’t be any big- medical and con- ger than a small child’s little fi nger. Yet tact information it is capable of “GIGANTIC” things.

Page 8 Blue Chips Magazine —December 2005 settings and data allow- But if you want to enjoy true mobility ing people to carry their and Programs on the Go then you will ‘personal workspace’ find U3 as the ideal solution for carry- with them and to ac- ing your complete personal workspace cess it on other PCs for wherever you go.” a truly mobile experi- ence. The company also Kate Purmal, CEO of U3, in her launched U3 Software presentation to the 2005 DEMOfall con- Central, the online ference(*) said, “U3’s concept is about place for consumers to taking your whole personal workspace download a variety of U3 with you, not just the data, but the files, smart software applica- folders, preferences, plug_ins, settings, tions to their U3 smart everything you need, to make any PC drives. U3 Software feel and look and act like your own . . “Things” like being . . . Central is accessible with . Applications on a U3_compliant USB a single click from the U3 Launchpad drive (e.g., a SanDisk Micro USB Flash U3 Smart “Capable” interface on U3 smart drives or from Drive ) are not tied to a specific laptop With the purely mundane out of . . . . or desktop, but are installed and the way, let’s get back to that 1st Wow! launchable directly off the drive I heard about U3 Smart a couple of Now that I’ve got my hands on one (my emphasis here).” months ago(*) and have been licking of these beauties, I can’t wait to see what my chops ever since. This sounds to me the “future” will bring in the form of this U3’s Vision _ We envision a Micro USB Flash Drive with U3 Smart world in which people carry their “per- on it. Since this is a delightfully appeal- sonal workspace” with them _ not just ing area (to me personally of course) of a files, but software programs (my brand “new” family of USB Flash Drives, emphasis here), preferences and the I am virtually forced (said, I’m holding a means to interact with them _ enabling gun to my own head here) to “initially” a private, personalized, protected and go with the flow with the SanDisk U3 portable computing experience on any announcement: computer. This offers true freedom of mobility and delivers on the promise of “Welcome to an entirely new gener- personal computing anywhere. ation of Mobility. Going beyond typical (*) Note. For a fantastic video memory devices, U3 smart drives give demonstration of what U3 Smart on a you the power to take your favorite pro- 1 GB SanDisk Micro USB Flash Drive grams wherever you go. Now, in addition is all about, I implore you, please like the ultimate in freedom of move- to storing music, photos, and documents “DO” visit: Important Note. U3 capability with you emails, calendar, personal pref- is only available on 512MB and 1GB erences and the means to interact with Note. Interestingly, I had already SanDisk Cruzer Micro USB Flash them. Enjoy true mobility and personal been working “silently in the back- Drives computing anywhere you go. ground” very hard toward implementing (*) News Release: U3 Software just such a “reality and eventuality” Central Opens for Convenient, With U3 (Smart), it’s almost like hav- with my own patented IT for a couple Online Downloads to U3 Smart ing a computer in your pocket, because you of years now. Until my recent awak- Drives can access your personal programs ening to U3 Smart, I didn’t even know here) and leave no trace behind. Every let alone, an actual company to push DEMOfall, Huntington Beach, U3 capable SanDisk Cruzer Micro comes the technology hard! Also I didn’t real- Calif., Sept. 19, 2005 – U3™ LLC; its with free U3 enabled software, and there ize (until this very review) that SanDisk, backers M_Systems and SanDisk® are lots of other new software programs in partnership with M_Systems , was an Corp. (my emphasis here); global that run on the U3 platform available to- original backer of U3 Smart technology. hardware partners Kingston® Technol- day, from anti_virus to imaging, gaming to It’s quite intuitive really, and its time has ogy Company, Memorex®, Verbatim®; financial, with plenty more to come. definitely come. and a diverse group of global software You can use U3 smart drives like SanDisk Cruzer® Family Appli- developers today unveiled the industry’s a standard USB drive for copying and cations very first USB smart drives and U3 smart transferring files and documents. You In addition to the U3 Smart, in- software applications. U3 smart drives can ‘drag and drop’ files from My Com- cluded with each SanDisk Micro USB host U3 smart applications, computer puter or Windows Explorer as before. Flash Drive is a set of wonderful utili- Page 9 Blue Chips Magazine —December 2005 ties. They are: With those intriguing figures to move Hardware Icon on the taskbar, 1) CruzerLock™ 2 (Version No. work on, now just may be that “right” and then “locating the USB device and v6.4.0.21) time, (I alluded to this desire back in following the directions” on the Safely CruzerLock 2.0 (3rd Wow!) is a Part 1) for me to go a little deeper into Remove Hardware control box. “Free” security application designed the In’s and Out’s of ‘ALL’ USB Most users prefer doing it this way(*); to protect your personal data files. Flash Drives. Your individual files can be encrypted 2) Another method, and much / decrypted to prevent unauthorized Some Situations to be Alert for easier, if it is successful, is by “Left viewing. CruzerLock™ 2 (Shown in the Clicking” on the Remove Hardware Icon graphic) is powered by software from (Ed Note.) “Some USB Flash/Hard on the taskbar. Then “Click” on the Drive encryptX Corporation, the makers of Drives will simply not release, which is a letter(s) the USB Flash Drive(s) is(are) premier data security products. For a flaw that needs to be rectified.” occupying, et viola. Safely Remove the complete rundown on all of Cruzer- USB devices and/or Flash Drives;(*) Lock 2’s Features please refer to Part 3, where it is reviewed in toto. Note. Repeat, it is “FREE” and fully functional and is available for the Not being Tech Support certified, Micro, Mini, and Titanium with (Win- I have to say that this particular com- (*) But, if you get that dreaded: dows only) Documentation. ment is indeed the “Major” frustration and complaint I hear all the time about “The device ‘Generic volume’ can- not be stopped right now. Try CruzerSync™ all, repeat ALL, USB Flash/Hard stopping the device again later.” CruzerSync allows you to synchro- Drives. You know. That’s when you Simply: i) “Close” Explorer to com- nize all your documents (Word, Excel, get that dreaded: “The device ‘Ge- pletely exit the USB Flash Drive. etc.) on top of all your Outlook infor- neric volume’ cannot be stopped Oops! If you get the same thing, sorry mation and to send e-mails from any right now. Try stopping the device ‘bout that, you’re in that bad, frustrat- computer. again later.” ing loop again; ii) “Open” Explorer and Note. FREE and fully functional Note. This ranks second only to “Click” on any other Drive letter, and with Cruzer® Titanium and Cruzer® the BSD, I feel! Anyway, I heartily agree “Select” anything. If you still get the Profile. Caveat. 30_day trial for with Ed Note’s comment, whoever he same response; iii) “Close” Explorer Cruzer® Micro and Mini. is? Caveat. DO NOT, repeat DO again, and try again. If you get the same thing again, AND, prior to complete- Cruzer PocketCache™ for Cru- NOT, get frustrated and nonchalantly ly shutting down the PC; iv) Actu- zer Micro and Mini “simply” yank the USB Flash Drive out of ally perform some task in another Cruzer PocketCache enables you to its port. Stuff happens you know? program (completely unrelated to the perform regular and repeated backup USB Flash Drive), and try the removing of PC files and directories, typically for operation again. Note. Once in a while, months, onto a single Titanium Flash it will then allow you to remove the USB Drive. Flash Drive? I even tried rebooting Downloadable, 7_day “Trial Ver- Re garde! You are fervently once, and that worked too. Or fi- sion” of Cruzer PocketCache for Cruzer warned to not do so, because of the nally, Micro and Mini possibility of “Lost files,” etc. Just ask 3) If all else fails, AND Before, Cliff, our Editor, about this little - Ha! repeat BEFORE, HASTILY (or Let the fun begin! - problem. He’ll very gladly give you an Nastily?) removing the USB Flash A few months ago in these very col- earful on the subject. I can attest to this Drive, Press that little “MS Flag” key umns I blithely predicted, “There is go- personally. located right there between the “CTRL” ing to be a plethora - nay, maybe even an Note. Please be well advised and “Alt” buttons on the lower left part explosion - of USB Flash Drives coming that: 1) The Cruzer line of USB of the keyboard (or you can also “Click” at you very soon. . . . My own research Flash Drives are not somehow on the “Start” Button), and then Press bears this out, as well. None too soon, “specially anointed,” and there- the “U” key twice (e.g., Shut down they will be as plentiful, and cheap, fore, somehow totally immune the PC), and THEN, repeat THEN, as that ‘ol workhorse ‘floppy’ disk was. to this problem, and 2) This very SAFELY REMOVE THE OFFEND- Only, they’re ever so much better same malady could very well hap- ING CULPRIT. You may be glad you in every way imaginable.” To further pen to them, anytime as well. did, ‘Nuff said! emphasize this point, Gartner has pre- FYI 1. That given, here are some FYI 2. I initially kept getting an dicted that USB flash drive shipments hard-learned “Tricks of the trade” on error message that “The removable will reach 83 million units in 2005, and “Safely Removing” that “Bad Boy!” You media that contained the current nearly 150 million units by 2008. They can remove a USB Flash Drive three (3) archive has been removed from further estimate that in 2008, USB ways: the system. The application will smart drives will represent 70% of all 1) By “Right Clicking” on the Re- now exit.” Which it did. Again from USB drives shipped. Okay! Page 10 Blue Chips Magazine —December 2005 way are, Winning. There’s nothing better.” Bottom line, a 512 MB or 1 GB SanDisk Micro USB Flash Drive is absolutely the best way to get that fabu- lous U3 capability, so don’t hesitate a second to get with the program ASAP. You’ll never live long enough to regret Dan: Seems that if you are running to me personally. That’s why I’ve been it. I assure you. Windows XP with SP2 installed, which demonstrating my own program in this Ciao I am, the USB Flash Drive is supposed fashion for a couple of years now. Porta- to be plugged into the actual USB bility, mobility, versatility, utility, speed, P.S. We invite you now to con- port itself, and not through an exten- and usability, are the buzz words today. tinue with Part 3, the sequel, on page sion cable, or 4-port hub, for that matter. That’s what it is all about now-a- 12, which is a review of the SanDisk Reasoning: A USB 2.0 Flash Drive is sup- days, getting the job done away from CruzerLock 2.1 Basic and Premier. posedly not able to draw enough power the offi ce, home, or wherever you want I didn’t get a copy of “Professional” to to operate properly on the extension to (or need to) be to “operate ‘unte- review - I guess if the shoe fi ts??? mods (See Microsoft Knowledge Base thered’ effectively and effi ciently KB 870893for a greater explanation, on all cylinders.” if you’re so interested). Sure enough, I moved the USB Micro Flash Drive to the Oh Brother! That’s U3 Smart on Desktop like Dan said to do, and “all’s a SanDisk Micro USB Flash Drive de- well again.” scribed in a nutshell. “It’s kind of like enjoying a great ‘Ballpark Frank and a In Summary soothing, refreshing beer’ (in a paper This U3 Smart concept makes cup naturally) at your favorite ball park consummate, even eminent, sense watching your favorite team, who by the

Even the Blue Oracle Can’t Create New Members. It’s up to YOU to Bring Them to Our Meetings.

Page 11 Blue Chips Magazine —December 2005 SanDisk CruzerLock 2 (Part 3) “Mover & Shaker” of SanDisk USB Flash Drives Reviewed by Don Nendell Part 3. CruzerLock 2 As I wrote in Part 2, “Transfer, Manufacturer: store and ‘share’ (my emphasis Hardware Review SanDisk, Inc. here) your fi les the smart way!” 111 Java Drive Sunnyvale, CA 94089 We continue this 3-part review by con- Phone: (408) 542_0500 tinuing to highlight the SanDisk Cruzer FAX: (408) 542_0503 Micro’s incredibly “tiny” compact size (The “itty-bitty” Powerhouse). Product Support: (866) SANDISK (726- 3475) Not only that feature, but I also wrote, Web Site: http://www.sandisk.com “Connect it to any computer with a USB port, and it makes storing, sharing and Pricing and Availability transferring all of your files a snap. Available in capacities ranging from 128MB to 2GB (They’re all small) Better yet, SanDisk Cruzer Micro is as I lovingly refer to them. Be advised, one of the first I’m in my element here and my excite- USB fl ash drives ment may bubble over at times. It’s being released what I’ve been working on now for over worldwide that’s 10-years - my “Hot button,” you might U3 Smart ca- say. It’s what my patents are all about, pable, so you “Security!” can carry your st programs (1 Soapbox Time Wow!), as well as It is not at all like, “E tu Brut?” We your files, with are here to praise Caesar, not bury him. you anywhere And, Caeser here is Sandisk’s Cruzer- The complete line of Cruzer USB Flash Drives you care to go.” What that really is available through authorized SanDisk retailers Lock 2 and encryptX’s SecureDataStor. and e-tailers across the country, or direct from means is with CruzerLock 2 you are: They are for all intense and purposes their web site at: cure Files’ Internally via the USB produced by encryptX. The basic dif- Street prices for the Cruzer USB Flash Flash Drive/PC, But Not ‘Securely Drives vary widely, but visit their web site for ference is: Sandisk’s CruzerLock 2 can latest pricing Sharing’ Those Important files only be purchased through SanDisk on To Find the Nearest Retail Store to you goto: with Others.” There is a “BIG” dif- the Cruzer product line, and encryptX’s ference between “Securely Storing” SecureDataStor can only be purchased and “Securely Sharing.” A HUGE System Requirements (See Part 1) through encryptX. Specifi cations and Features: difference. Caveat. Since Sandisk’s CruzerLock Dimensions: Varies with each Flash Drive 2 can do virtually the Each SanDisk USB Flash Drive has various Free Utilities: “same activities” as en- CruzerLock 2 (Ungradable to version 2.1, cryptX’s SecureDataS- Basic, Premium and Professional) - All tor, for simplicity’s CruzerSync™ Outlook synchronization sake hereafter, when I software, and SignUpShield™ password manager software - All mention CruzerLock 2, U3 Smart platform (Goto ) - Micro Only SecureDataStor. Hi_Speed USB 2.0 certified (backwards compatible with all USB 1.1 ports) Compatible with Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, XP and Mac OS 9.1.x+, OS X v10.1.2+ Certifi ed Windows XP and Mac OS X Recall (in Part 1) I used the anal- ogy of choosing an automobile, e.g., Most of you are probably “totally “Different Strokes for Different folks! unaware” of just how diffi cult it really What you really have to do is to know is to “Share Data Securely Between ‘exactly’ (my emphasis) what you Various and Sundry Locations.” If want to use them for?” Now, you will it requires no thought, or extra expense, be introduced to the “Security” side of it’s OK with you, right? Here’s the par- this deal, the “Armored Car” portion of allel: You probably “unknowingly,” these magnifi cent little “handi-dandies,” without your knowledge naturally,

Page 12 Blue Chips Magazine —December 2005 have already participated in Phishing Scams, ID theft Scams, et al. Caveat. There’s not enough time nor space here to share with you just how vulnerable you really are to a whole lot of very bad persons out there in La-La Land, called the Internet. Note. You have only but to attend the annual Black Hat Briefings and DE- FCON (which I’ve been very fortunate to do for some 6 years now), to fully understand all this well-intentioned harangue, and to also get the scare of your lives. I’d almost be willing to bet your Anti-virus is out of date, too! Even our beloved Dave O., “God rest his soul,” while he was still with us, used to tell me, “I don’t even use AV, and I haven’t been hit yet.” OK! Q. Why do you even think that those 60,000,000+ identities were stolen in the first six months of 2005 alone? A. Just because like Sir Edmond Hillary is quoted as saying, “Because It’s There?” NO! Q. So, just exactly how does this little tirade of mine fit into this review? A. Glad you asked, but then again, I warned you up front.

Back On Solid Ground ways they can make life easier.’” I can said ‘practically unlimited,’ that is, It all has to do with “Security.” now honestly say that I truly believe in the mobility arena. . . (know one, How you handle your affairs is entirely 100+% that “Security” has to repre- know them all). . . now, everybody up to you, but there are certain critical sent fully half, or more, of those “zillion can take the actual programs. . . right elements of your well-being that need ways” (naturally, by specifically using along with them, anytime, as well as to be “secured,” and right now. You can SanDisk USB Flash Drives, the Micro anywhere, they want to go. . . . This start instantly by using CruzerLock 2 especially), to make life not only easier, is the sort of ‘stuff’ that separates the (Recall: It is available pre-pack- but “safer” for all of us in the long run. aged only on any SanDisk USB Flash I also believe it, “Security,” can all be Drive, Micro?) in virtually everything accomplished by using CruzerLock 2 you do when it comes to handling your religiously, not just now and then, but digital data; identity, privacy and fiscal just like brushing your teeth after each information amongst others. A word to meal. Don’t do that either? OK! “But, the wise: “Keep your ‘Stuff’ secure!” “Here’s thaa. . . rest of the Story!”

In Part 1 I also wrote, “So, What’s We Continue It All About Alfie? ‘wheat from the chaff!’ “ (See also Nothing could be simpler. All USB Parts 1 & 2) I’ve often had a very strong (held Flash Drives are designed for first-time in check only by space, time and SanDisk Cruzer® Family Ap- buyers, or anyone that needs to transfer plications availability considerations) desire a limited number of files. Quoting from to share with you, here in these reviews, In addition to the U3 Smart (I’m re- Part 2, “As I have espoused in quite a ally sold on U3, as you can readily see?), some of the hundreds of different rea- few earlier BCM reviews on USB Flash sons, ‘Why a USB Flash Drive may included with each SanDisk Micro USB Drives (See ), Flash Drive is a set of wonderful utilities. be the ‘Portable Data Storage’ So- with these easy-to-use Plug ‘n Play (PnP) lution for You?’ When you think of Among them - and the prime reason for devices, every user gains a whole new this Part 3 review - is: those cute, tiny little plug-in USB Flash range of mobility options. Now with Drives, smaller than most lighters, that CruzerLock™ 2 (Version No. the SanDisk Cruzer Micro line of USB v6.4.0.21) can store Multi-Megabytes of data, ‘It’s Flash Drives you can go even farther, not hard to come up with a zillion little CruzerLock 2 (3rd Wow! In Part Page 13 Blue Chips Magazine —December 2005 to access and are fully integrated into the software; and, D) Persistent Per- mission Controls. Assign users, and access control permissions for those users. More than 20 different rights are supported including Add, Delete, Time Expiration, Copy, Print, Modify, View, Share with Others, Lock to PC, etc. Note. It is ‘FREE’ and fully func- tional. Available for: Micro, Mini, and Titanium with (Windows only) Docu- mentation.

Some Situations to be Alert for I received a shock the first time I loaded CruzerLock 2 from the Micro Drive. After going through the “normal” licensing bit, I noticed that the “Prefer- ences” button was grayed out. I thought this was very important, so in a “very friendly” telecom with Dan at encryptX Tech Support (the actual makers of CruzerLock 2) he informed me that the version that is included on each SanDisk USB Flash Drive is indeed “Free.” It is also indeed “Full Featured,” but it is a “restricted version” of CruzerLock 2. Note. Even upgrading to version 2.1, didn’t change that function. Ah so! Seems there are four (4) 2) is a security application designed tures include: A) Encrypt. Encrypt different versions of CruzerLock 2. to protect your personal data files. entire directory structures, folders or CruzerLock 2 Free and CruzerLock 2 Your individual files can be encrypted files from a PC Hard Drive, or from Basic are already packaged with the / decrypted to prevent unauthorized the Flash Drive, into the CruzerLock 2 SanDisk USB Flash Drives. The Pre- viewing. CruzerLock™ 2 is powered by protected Archive using an integrated mium and Professional are the other software from encryptX Corporation, Microsoft Windows Explorer utility, two (2) versions of CruzerLock 2 (See the makers of premier data security and integrated password recovery. below).To Update CruzerLock 2.0 to products.” (*) Note. Upgrades encryption 2.1, which is also “Free” (goto to to 448-bit Blowfish from current //www.encryptx.com/downloads/ buy their companion product to Cru- 56-bit plus incorporates a Pow- SecurDataStor_v64_b23.zip>). zerLock 2, e.g., SecurDataStor plus erful compression Caveat. You will have to upgrade SecurMedia (which allows you to: En- engine (PKZip) crypt CD/DVD and Burn an encrypted is built into the CD directly, without having to use an- software, which other CD mastering program. You can compresses data also encrypt USB Flash memory devices up to one tenth of (like the SanDisk family of products, for its original size instance), Iomega® Zip™ and Jaz™ (4th Wow!) drives or any other form of PC remov- B) Share. able storage media). Securely share pro- Note. CruzerLock 2 is only available tected files through through SanDisk., and is exclusively re- secure e-mail, copy served for the Cruzer line of USB Flash to Hard Drive, Drives. network drive, and CD/DVD media; CruzerLock 2’s Primary Fea- C) Integrated tures Upgrade. Software CruzerLock 2 Basic’s Primary Fea- upgrades are easy

Page 14 Blue Chips Magazine —December 2005 each CruzerLock 2 Archive individually tion on your local or Hard Drive, Note. You can also use the Up- to CruzerLock 2.1. Note. That’s usually good enough grade button to purchase the Premium Note. To access the CruzerLock 2 “security” for the average user, but what or Professional versions. However, in- (or 2.1) Basic functionality (said better if you desire/need greater “security” stead of entering a license key code into “usability” and “security”), you will functions than Free or Basic provide? the Free or Basic versions, you will have need to purchase the upgrade ($24.95 (See below) to download the software separately. USD). and, 3) As an added usability en- Important. If you have any ques- hancement to CruzerLock 2.1, users tions about upgrades or additional What is new in CruzerLock 2.1? are now able to create and modify (e.g., CruzerLock 2.1 features, contact the The major advantage that Cruzer- rename, etc.) directory structure within encryptX Corporation at (877)-233- Lock 2.1 has over 2.0 is the ability to the encrypted Archive. Additional fold- 6510 or open an Archive and Click the create directory structure within the ers can be added anywhere within the Upgrade button in the CruzerLock 2.1 encrypted Archive and the freedom to encrypted Archive, and files/folders may Archive window to link to a web site page select the encryption algorithm used be dragged to different locations. Users with more information. (5th Wow!) to protect the data (See FAQ are now able to delete entire folders at Note. You can also find more de- below). a time, whereas previously a user could tailed information about the features for only delete one (1) file at a time. the Premium and Professional versions Note. Should you choose to do so, you will also likewise be required to Best of all, users will not lose their “pay for an upgrade” to convert the data when they upgrade from Cruzer- CruzerLock 2 Free (or Basic) version Lock 2 to CruzerLock 2.1. The upgrade to either a “Premium,” or “Profes- process will only upgrade key features sional” version. within the program. All data from the Alternative upgrade method: CruzerLock 2 Archive will be kept in- During installation, when asked, sim- tact.

of the software on the encryptX web site (goto ).

SecurDataStor has been named as a top security product by TechWorthy and Laptop Magazine, and is recommended by the International Association of Com- ply select the “Purchase upgraded puter Investigative Specialists (IACIS). versions”

Why Upgrade to Basic, Upgrading to Premium or Let the fun begin! Premier or Professional? Professional Along with the CruzerLock 2 Free With CruzerLock 2 Free and Cruzer- These “upgraded” features include program on each Sandisk USB Flash Lock 2 Basic, just like the names imply, protecting e-mail and removable media, Drive, is included a real fine Tuto- you can “Basically” encrypt folders and i.e., CD and/or DVD discs and other re- rial on how to use CruzerLock 2 plus files on the Flash Drive Archive only. movable storage media, content, user a very good Quick Start Guide. You can also decrypt and browse the rights management, and auditing. For Tutorials provide a rapid and easy way encrypted contents. However, with more information about these two to learn about CruzerLock 2 function- the enhanced, e.g., “upgraded” products, after you “Create” a new en- ality. version, CruzerLock 2.1 Basic, you can cryption Archive, or “Open” and existing Note. You will be well advised to also: 1) Share the protected information one, “Click” the Upgrade button in the use these two (2) religiously. on your Flash Drive Archive to local and CruzerLock 2 window. There you can re- networked Drives. After sharing, the in- fer to the: 1) Starting CruzerLock 2, There are two (2) ways to actu- formation remains protected on the lo- 2) Accessing an existing archive, ally review the Tutorial before you’ve cal or Hard Drive, 2) Directly encrypt, and 3) Upgrading your software even, or ever, installed it (Like decrypt, and browse sensitive informa- sections of the displayed guide. right now?): 1) With absolutely noth-

Page 15 Blue Chips Magazine —December 2005 very same web page. data alone is what I was referring to in OK! Not very funny! the 5th Wow! above. I know. However, you can still: 2. Can I hide the path where (goto ). lecting ‘Hide original locations by en- Funny or not, crypting files and folders to My Files’ I earnestly hope I got checkbox in the Encrypt dialogue box your attention. Here’s (6th Wow!). the point. Watching that Tutorial is a very In Summary important first To repeat what I said in Part 2, step in learning how this U3 Smart concept that comes on to properly use Cru- the SanDisk Cruzer Micro USB Flash ing to lose, Download the CruzerLock zerLock 2. Drive with CruzerLock 2 Free (Premium 2.1 product, it’s “Free” (goto ). After unzipping The Quick Start Guide is another That’s why I’ve been demonstrating it, click on the Tutorial folder to better very important first step in learn- my own program in this fashion for a understand what I’m talking about here. ing how to properly use CruzerLock couple of years now (and will continue It’ll really help all the way round. 2.1. Again, please do not overlook this to enthusiastically do so with the Micro Or, 2) Alternatively, you could go straight one either. Drive). Portability, mobility, versatility, to the encryptX web site to go through utility, speed, security, and usability, are the Tutorial for CruzerLock 2. Click on CruzerLock 2.1 FAQ the buzz words today. That’s what it the link there to learn more: How to (goto ) job done away from the office, home, or (goto ). ally consider to be some very “operate ‘untethered’ effectively, Note. Using either method, will important additional “Security” securely, and efficiently on all take you directly to the encryptX web questions about CruzerLock 2.1. cylinders.” site and the Tutorial there regardless 1. How do I change the en- - it’s your choice? cryption algorithm in CruzerLock CruzerLock 2.1 (or equally Secure- 2.1? DataStor) is most certainly the answer The third method (duh!) is to go Click Preferences (Not available on to the “secure” portion of that last state- rd ahead and buy a SanDisk USB Micro the Free version) and on the General ment. This 3 Part review (of 3 suc- Flash Drive. Select the Drive letter in the Tab, click the dropdown for ‘Encrypt cessive Parts), a feat which has never MS Explorer window that holds the Cru- new archives using:’ been accomplished before in BCM his- th zerLock 2 program and then “Double- Note. The different algorithms tory (6 Wow!), simply has to tell you a Click” on the Tutorial Icon, which BTW you may select from are: Blowfish _ little something about how I feel about will also open the Tutorial back on the 448-bit, Rijndael _ 256-bit, Rijndael this security thing? Since CruzerLock 2 _ 192-bit, Triple DES is already ensconced on the Micro, ini- _ 192-bit, Rijndael _ tially we all have a “no-brainer” in the 128-bit, DES _ 64-bit. decision making department, when it The higher bit encryp- comes to “Security!” tion used to protect the data, the more Hey, come back here, I haven’t “secure” it will be. signed off yet, Oh Well! Enjoy. All the Note. Although very best to each of you out there. “Have CruzerLock 2.1 uses a Safe and Sane Christmas. Prosper and the Blowfish encryp- Enjoy the Christmas Holidays.” tion algorithm, this Ciao

Page 16 Blue Chips Magazine —December 2005 Utah Blue Chips Calendar December, 2005, January 2006

UBC General Meeting U of U 7:00 p.m.

Trib & Magazine James Deadline

U of U 7:00pm

UCS Merry Board of Trustees Christmas C&C Bldg. Room N3005 6:30 p.m.

Happy New Year!

UBC General Meeting U of U 7:00 p.m. TBA Magazine Deadline Blue Chips — Utah’s Computer Guide in the 21st Century