What to do with old USB sticks

[Foosinho]

I've been doing #8 for quite a while myself. Lets me have very strong passwords that I change regularly on important sites (like my bank), yet still gives me a fighting chance of remembering them. I use KeePassX, which exists for Linux and Windows (I dunno about Mac), and the file format works in both.

I also use TrueCrypt to store the password file on an encrypted filesystem. Almost certainly overkill, since the KeePassX file is already encrypted and password protected, but I've got a large TrueCrypt volume to keep a digital copy of the most important stuff on my person always. For example, I've got copies of everything in my wallet on the key's encrypted volume, etc.

Oh, and I have a bootable version of Ubuntu on the key too. Provided the bios allows booting off of a USB key, I can get a computer up and running that way.

[CDNSushi]

Yes, KeePassX is 100% cross-platform, so Mac too... I haven't played with it mainly because Clipperz works a treat for me (http://www.clipperz.com). I can use it on OR offline, and encryption/decryption happens in such a way that nothing sensitive gets sent through the net... (Probably wouldn't protect you from a keylogger though)...

Dixie: Sorry to hear about your virus woes... Even more so about your WoW account... I hear that even with the new authenticators you are vulnerable to keylogger attacks. I like the "pet" idea -- the only thing is, you'd have to make sure it's a fairly robust unit that's at least water and shock resistant to some degree. I did a quick search, and chipping a pet may cost around $60... But that doesn't help you much if it's just some Joe Blow who finds your dog... Would be easier if he could just insert a USB stick and get your contact info.

Oooh... Oooh... I got a new one! Homing pigeons gone high-tech! Send files to your friends by USB stick attached to a homing pigeon! LoL!