I use my iPod to take (almost) everything everywhere.
A few months ago I discovered Damn Small Linux, which you can load onto a flash drive, plug into any machine (even one with Windows OS running) and load up a Linux shell. It was pretty cool and I played around with it for a while, again thinking about learning about Linux.
It got me thinking about the fact that there are several pieces of software that I end up putting on all the machines I have access to (2 at home, 4 at work, etc.) and it is a pain in the arse to load it everywhere and then try to transfer the files everywhere. I found the Portableapps.com site that gives ‘lite’ versions of open source applications built to run on a flash drive. (or any portable media) Awesome, now I can edit my webpages from anywhere (without MS Frontpage!) There is even a word processor program on there that can open (and save) MS word files. (Sweet!)
I have also installed a fun little program so I can play Sudoku on any machine without having to load the software.
What if my iPod fries (which it has)?
No problem, you just need to (regularly) backup the important stuff (the music files probably no) using simple programs like SyncBack (the ‘free version is near the bottom) that automatically backs up whatever you want when you want it. I schedule my iPod to be backed up on two separate machines every week so if something does happen I can get back on track easily.
Music ’still’ on the iPod
So iPods were built for music playing, what if I want to use it as a drive and listen to the music on the iPod using the speakers on the computer? No problem! You just need a version of Winamp that runs on the portable drive. WInamp Lite is just the ticket.
Security and Viruses?
I do practice safe portable apping which is important and I do not put anything ‘personal’ (SSN, credit card numbers) on the drive so I am good there.
Now I just have to keep really good track of my iPod 