Try A New Operating System

• Many open source Linux distributions support installation to a USB drive. A few, such as Puppy Linux, are even designed solely for this purpose. Download a free Linux distribution that requires 1GB of space or less and follow the instructions packaged with it to install the system to your USB drive. You can then start your computer right off of the flash drive and explore an all new operating system without deleting the one you currently have installed.
  
  

Run Your Programs On Any Computer

• Portable applications are programs that run on your computer without needing to be installed beforehand. Many popular open source applications are available in a portable format. Move these portable programs to your USB flash drive and you can run them on any computer. You can save your personal options, documents and bookmarks for use on other computers.
  
  

Speed Up Your Computer

• Since the release of Windows Vista, the Windows operating system has been able to use a USB drive as extra memory for your computer. The more memory you have, the faster your programs will run and the more you can run at the same time. Using a 1GB USB flash drive this way can save you money over buying and installing a 1GB stick of RAM in your computer. Insert the USB drive into your computer and follow the onscreen "ReadyBoost" prompts to set up your computer to use this system.
  
  

Lock And Unlock Your Computer

• Through a small downloadable software program, you can turn your USB drive into a literal key for your computer. After installing and configuring the program, your computer will only function when the USB key is inserted into one of the computer's USB slots. As soon as you remove the flash drive from the computer, the screen turns black and the keyboard and mouse are disabled, keeping anyone without your USB flash drive key from using it.