Nexcopy’s USB HDD “Fixed Disk” appears to act like a local hard drive, which can help teams operate in environments where removable drives are restricted.

In high-security environments, USB drives can be good and bad. What I mean is, the flash drive is essential for information deployment, imaging, and data transfer, but we’ve also heard time and time again how USB flash media can be a potential security risk. Many organizations address this by implementing Removable Storage Restrictions through Group Policy or endpoint security tools.

The problem? Those same policies that protect against unauthorized USB usage can also block your legitimate workflow.

The Common Roadblock

Let’s say your IT guys did crack down on Group Policy USB control. If your USB drive shows up to the operating system as “Removable Media,” it can be locked out entirely. That means:

• Imaging tools like Acronis True Image or Symantec Ghost refuse to write to it.
• Windows To Go won’t install or boot from it.
• Multi-partition booting won’t work in legacy BIOS environments.
• Secure facilities simply won’t let you plug it in at all.

The Nexcopy Solution

The USB HDD Fixed Disk is different. It’s configured at the hardware controller level to report itself as a Local Disk (Fixed Disk), just like an internal hard drive.

Why does this matter? Because most removable drive restrictions don’t apply to fixed disks. Did we crack the code?

• IT policy still holds for unsafe removable drives.
• Your approved, Nexcopy-issued Fixed Disk USB will mount and operate without special permissions.
• You can continue your deployment or service work without IT needing to rewrite policy rules.

Where This Helps Most

Microsoft is trying to ending USB Type-C port confusion by addresses the user issues they face with USB-C ports on Windows 11 devices. Even though USB-C is ‘supposed to be’ universal the ports themselves do not offer the same functionalities – leading users to confusion and frustration.

To combat this, Microsoft has implemented new standards through the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) to ensure consistency and reliability across USB-C ports on certified Windows 11 devices.

Understanding the Problem

Have you ever tried plugging something old into something new, and it just didn’t fit? Like trying to charge an old toy with a new charger? That’s the kind of problem some people have when working with really old computers and machines. One of the most common connector types starting in the early 1960s was the “serial” connection or “DB” connector.

A serial connector is a type of plug used to connect devices like computers, printers, and modems. It sends data one bit at a time, in a single line – like sending letters one by one through a pipe. This was the main way for computers to talk to other devices before USBs (Universal Serial Bus) became popular.

The first serial port (specifically the RS-232 standard) was invented in 1960 by a group called the Electronic Industries Association (EIA). It was made to help different kinds of machines communicate easily.

It became widely available to the public in the early 1960s, especially when computers and terminals started using it more often in offices and labs. By the 1980s the DB9 was the most common serial connector and was a common feature on most computers.

Sabrent has created a special cable that lets old machines talk to new computers. It’s called a DB9 Serial to USB-C cable.

DB9 Serial is an old way that machines used to send information to each other. It’s a type of plug that has 9 little pins. USB-C is the newer, smaller plug that you see on most new computers, tablets, and phones today. It’s the oval-shaped one you can plug in either way!

Why is the serial connector to USB-C important?

A lot of businesses and even schools still use really old equipment like:

• Old computer screens (called terminals)
• Printers
• Modems (a device that helps computers talk over the phone line)
• GPS systems (machines that tell you where you are)

But new computers don’t have the old DB9 Serial plug anymore. That’s why this new Sabrent cable is so helpful It acts like a translator so old machines and new computers can understand each other.

What is cool about the Sabrent cable?

ChatGPT had an image create tool update earlier today. The service called DALL-E is a playful blend of two influences which was the root for how the name came about.

Salvador Dalí is the famous surrealist artist known for his imaginative and dream like imagery and WALL·E is the robot from the Pixar movie and represents the artificial intelligence and the futuristic capabilities of non human AI sources.

With that said DALL·E doesn’t technically stand for anything, but more like an acronym. Like the ChatGPT which creates surreal, imaginative images, just like Dalí would; yet powered by technology like the little WALL·E robot. The idea behind the name is to capture the spirit of art and artificial intelligence which is what the ChatGPT service does, turns words into images.

So what was improved?

Inpainting (Image Editing / Generative Fill)

You can now click on parts of an image and edit or regenerate specific sections—like replacing an object or modifying just the background—without recreating the whole image. This gives you much more control.

More Accurate Prompt Interpretation

The tool is now better at understanding complex and detailed prompts, including spatial relationships, styles, and lighting. If you say “a USB drive plugged into the left side of a silver laptop,” it’s more likely to reflect that exactly.

Higher-Quality Images

There’s a noticeable boost in the sharpness, realism, and overall visual fidelity of the images generated. Textures, reflections, and lighting effects are now more natural-looking.

Faster Generation Time

Image creation is now quicker, allowing near real-time rendering of visuals—even for detailed prompts or specific camera angles.

Improved Consistency in Object Rendering

The model is better at producing recognizable and consistent objects, like realistic human anatomy, symmetrical faces, or technical devices such as laptops and USB drives.

Better Handling of Text in Images

While still not perfect, the system is better at rendering legible and relevant text within images—like signs, labels, or product branding.

Enhanced Style Control

You can more reliably request specific artistic styles (e.g., pencil sketch, watercolor, photorealism), and the system will stick to that aesthetic more closely.

Working in a low light room with proper monitor lighting can reduce stress, reduce headaches and make employees a bit more productive. The Quntis Computer Monitor Light Bar is a sweet workspace lighting addition and good solution for tech peeps who demand a good work light solution. Engineered to eliminate screen glare, the Quntis monitor lamp directs light precisely onto the desktop and keyboard area, ensuring a flicker-free experience that reduces eye strain. Great for long hour workers like coders or accountants. With its built-in auto-dimming sensor, the light automatically adjusts brightness levels based on ambient lighting conditions, maintaining optimal visibility throughout the day and night without user intervention.

Designed for seamless integration and contemporary look to fit in properly with any work environment. The space-saving light bar, because it fits on top of the monitor, easily clips onto monitors 22 inches and wider and freeing up valuable desk space. Powered via USB, the Quntis connects to any workstation setup and we can’t think of a reason why someone would be limited to using this. Connections can be made through a computer, docking station, or external power source. IT managers can appreciate the stepless dimming and adjustable color temperature range (3000K–6500K) , allowing users to fine-tune their workspace lighting from warm to cool tones, enhancing focus and productivity across various tasks.

Built with precision and durability in mind, the Quntis Monitor Light Bar features a high CRI95 LED rating , ensuring true-to-life color accuracy—critical for designers, developers, and content creators. With touch-sensitive controls the Quntis provides intuitive operation, while the power-off memory function retains previous settings, minimizing disruptions and maximizing user convenience. Tested through 10,000+ safety assessments and certified for anti-blue light and optical radiation safety , this monitor lamp is a long-term investment in workplace well-being.

For someone looking to improve office ergonomics, enhance employee efficiency, and reduce screen-related fatigue, the Quntis Monitor Light Bar is a great upgrade. Would also make for the perfect employee gift for a job well done. Its combination of smart functionality, premium build quality, and seamless adaptability makes it the perfect addition to any modern corporate workspace.

According to some online sales reports, the Quntis light bar is one of the most popular selling USB items for the past three months. Sources include Amazon and Google shopping.

About Quntis: A brand under SHENZHEN QIANHAI LIHERUISI KONGGU YOUXIANGONGSI, was established in 2016, focusing on the development and innovation of electronic accessories. The company’s product line includes earphones, audio speakers, and electric charging cables. Over the years, Quntis has expanded its offerings to include eye-care computer lamps and outdoor LED string lights, continually upgrading its products to provide better lighting solutions for consumers.

Is there a tariff on USB flash drives coming from China – Yes!

UPDATE as of April 9, 2025

The trump administration has no imposed a 120% tariff on USB flash drives. This move was after China did a retaliatory tariff on US goods going into China at 84%. This is a “who will blink first” type situation. Unfortunately, no one is the winner.

UPDATE as of April 7, 2025

As of April 7th during trumps second term, the administration placed an additional 34% tariff on USB flash drives. Although the president does not have unilateral control over tariffs, it is possible Congress will bring a resolution to the floor and reverse or reduce these tariffs. Currently there are efforts for Congress to overturn or amend the tariffs placed on Canada, although no firm bill or law has been passed.

Three tariffs have been assigned to the USB flash drive category when importing product from China since 2020.

The first tariff was assigned during Trump’s first term in office at a rate of 7.5% percent which started February 2020.

The second tariff was assigned during Trump’s second term in office at a rate of 10% percent which started January 2025.

Because of this new tariff announced on “liberation day” (whatever that means) the total amount of tariffs charged to import flash drives from China into the United States is 51.5% on the cost of the product.

Is this bad? Mostly YES and a little no.

A big yes because any tariff assigned to a product during important is affectively a “tax” on the product. This is true for whether the item is being important from China or any other country.

A little “no” because the United States has a trade deficient in relationship to China. By instituting a tariff on imported goods, in theory, is supposed to encourage US suppliers to manufacture product in the United States.

Many economists argue about tariffs. Mostly that tariffs are harmful to the US economy because they increase costs for consumers and businesses while disrupting global trade. Many U.S. manufacturers rely on imported raw materials and components (such as semiconductors, steel, and electronic parts) to produce finished goods. Higher input costs make American businesses less competitive, potentially leading to job losses and slower economic growth.

Tariffs can also provoke retaliatory measures from trading partners, harming US exporters by making their goods more expensive and less competitive in foreign markets. While tariffs are often intended to encourage domestic manufacturing, they may not be effective in reshoring production. Many industries have deeply integrated global supply chains, making it difficult and expensive to shift production back to the US.

For example, there are no major players, such as Kingston, Western Digital, Nexcopy or Micron who manufacture USB flash drive memory inside the United States. These manufacturers use contract factories in China to produce the goods.

Even if these companies had manufacturing capabilities in the United States the NAND memory required to make the product would need to be imported from China. Since the NAND memory makes up 90% of the USB flash drive product cost, the advantage to move manufacturing to the US is not profitable. It is less expensive to have end-users foot the tariff bill, than to have manufacturers change their supply chain manufacturing strategy.

Tariffs are an old strategy for international business negotiations. The president who implemented these tariffs does not hold the “art of a deal” but rather, simple and elementary visions for how to negotiate trade deals. Tariffs have been used for centuries as a tool to protect domestic industries, generate government revenue, and influence trade relationships. The theory is, imposing tariffs to shield local businesses from foreign competition and ensure domestic industries could develop without being undercut by cheaper imports is no longer a working theory.

While tariffs remain a common negotiation tool, many economists argue that free trade agreements and international cooperation (such as those under the World Trade Organization) are more effective at fostering long-term economic growth. Instead of imposing tariffs, modern trade deals often focus on reducing barriers, increasing market access, and enforcing fair competition rules, which can lead to more sustainable and mutually beneficial trade relationships.

The above paragraph is a major short coming of the current administration (Trump 2025) and the inability to think at these higher levels and negotiate more detailed agreements will ultimately cost the American consumer hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.

What can you do?

There is not much which can be done to avoid or circumvent the tariff imposed. For example, there is no manufacturer inside the United States producing USB drives. The cost to ship product from China to say Taiwan or Mexico and then ship into the US is more expensive than paying the tariff. Looking forward, the “option” any American has is understanding what a tariff is and how that impacts the bottom line for a company or business. Most importantly, to elect officials who are more in-line with consumer protection rather than exercising retaliatory political moves at the expense of American people.

A couple notes:

• There is no tariff for purchases which remain under $800 dollars
• For major manufactures, the $800 single shipment amount is pointless (see below)
• The Harmonization Code for USB Flash Memory is 8523.51.00.00

USB Flash Drive sales are estimated to be 5.47 Billion dollars for 2024. Let’s say the United States purchased only 1% of that amount, the $800 limit on single orders would still not allow manufacturers to “work the system” and avoid paying tariffs by making hundreds of mini shipping orders – there is too much volume coming into the United States to justify making thousands of small orders under $800. Plus, US Customs would certainly catch on to a scheme like that.

A recent update to Windows 11 is causing some significant issues for users, leaving many users frustrated and entire sure what to do. How To: Fix Windows 11 Update Computer Issues is a brief summary of the problem below and link to the solution (a Microsoft Windows utility to fix it all) This update, released on 26th September and labelled KB5043145, has led to major problems like your PC freezing, displaying the dreaded “blue screen of death” or becoming caught in a reboot loop where the computer repeatedly tries to restart itself but fails and thus tries again and again.

In addition to the blue-screens, some users report their USB and/or Bluetooth devices suddenly stopped working after installing the update. This includes a wide variety of peripherals such as keyboards, mice, headphones, microphones, memory sticks, and printers. Essentially, anything connected through USB or Bluetooth seems to be vulnerable to these problems.

One member from our team installed the updated and clearly something was broken in the file system, so they ended up restoring the entire PC. Far cry from an update experience. Our guy wasn’t alone, seems plenty of Windows users are seeing the same or similar issues.

Others have also reported issues with network connections, like their Wi-Fi no longer working, as well as problems with certain software programs like VirtualBox which runs Linux type OS subsystems.

If you found yourself dealing with these problems Microsoft advises that its Automatic Repair tool will help if your PC is stuck in a reboot loop. This tool might automatically pop up, allowing you to resolve the issue. For some users, BitLocker recovery can also be used to fix problems caused by the update, according to Microsoft’s support page.

Microsoft implemented a fix through its Known Issue Rollback (KIR) service, which is designed to undo the effects of problematic updates without requiring a manual uninstall. This tweak might help in automatically resolving these issues for many users. However, if your computer is still not operating correctly, Microsoft suggests attempting a system restart, which could trigger the automatic repair process and potentially get your PC back on track.

We would recomment that until the issues are fully ironed out, it may be worth holding off on installing this particular update, especially if your PC and peripherals are running smoothly as they are. If you’ve already installed it and are experiencing these issues, follow the Microsoft’s troubleshooting steps metioned above about the Automatic Repair Tool might be the best course of action to get everything back to normal.

Godspeed those USB ports and peripherals!

It’s mind blowing to think that storing a terabyte of data used to cost about 100 billion dollars. Nowadays it fits on a $20 flash drive (MSRP is closer to $100)

In 1956, IBM introduced the first hard drive, the IBM 305 RAMAC, which had a storage capacity of about 5 megabytes (MB). The cost of this system was approximately $10,000 per megabyte, meaning the entire system would cost around $50,000 for just 5 MB of storage.

To calculate the cost of 1 terabyte (TB) of memory in 1956 using this rate:

• 1 TB = 1,024 GB
• 1 GB = 1,024 MB
• 1 TB = 1,024 x 1,024 MB = 1,048,576 MB

At $10,000 per MB, the cost of 1 TB would have been:

1,048,576 MB * $10,000/MB = **$10,485,760,000** (over 10 billion dollars)

So, 1 TB of storage would have cost over 10 billion dollars in 1956.

By 2020, the cost of storage had decreased dramatically due to significant technological advancements in the storage industry.

In 2020, the cost of storage was approximately $0.02 per gigabyte, which translates to $0.00002 per megabyte. Using the same calculation as before:

• 1 TB = 1,024 GB
• 1 GB = 1,024 MB
• 1 TB = 1,048,576 MB

At $0.00002 per MB, the cost of 1 TB in 2020 would have been:

1,048,576 MB * $0.00002/MB = **$20.97**

So, 1 TB of storage would have cost around $21 in 2020.

The clean function in DiskPart is a command used to remove all partitions or volumes from a disk, essentially wiping out all existing data on the disk. When you use clean in DiskPart on a particular disk, it performs the following actions:

Removal of Partitions: Deletes all partition or volume structures from the selected disk. This includes removing any partition tables and file systems information – or said another way, removes the format of the drive.

Data Erasure: The clean command deletes the partition table entries and boot code, but does NOT erase any data or overwrite data with random bits. Meaning, after using the clean command a data recovery software package could still recover the data.

Disk Initialization: After executing clean, the disk is left uninitialized. This means that the disk does not have any partitions or volumes, and it appears as raw, unallocated space. In order to use the drive after a DiskPart clean it is required to go into Windows Disk Management tool and assign a new volume to the USB. Once this is done, the device will have a file system (format) and be usable.

The CLEAN function is a nice way to quickly erase the partition and file system to start fresh with a new drive. For example, if an IMG file that is 5GBs large written to a 32GB stick, the problem is that 32GB stick is now only 5GBs large. The remaining space on the USB is unallocated and not usable. To get that unallocated space back, run the DiskPart CLEAN command. You will now have a 32GB drive (after initialization in Disk Management).

The clean all function in DiskPart is similar to the clean function but with an additional step of overwriting the entire disk with zeros. When you use clean all, DiskPart performs the following actions:

Removal of Partitions: Like clean, clean all deletes all partition or volume structures from the selected disk, removing any existing partition tables, file systems, and associated data.

Data Overwriting: In addition to removing the partitions, clean all also writes zeros to every sector of the disk. This process effectively erases all data on the disk by overwriting it with zeros. The purpose of this step is to securely erase the disk’s contents, making data recovery extremely difficult or impossible using standard methods.

Disk Initialization: After executing clean all, the disk is left uninitialized and completely wiped clean. It appears as raw, unallocated space with all previous data erased.

The clean all command is a more secure method of erasing data compared to clean alone, as it ensures that all sectors of the disk are overwritten with zeros. This process takes more time than clean because of the data overwriting step.

TIP: As with clean, it’s crucial to use clean all with care. Verify that you are selecting the correct disk because executing clean all on the wrong disk will result in irreversible data loss.

Ref: DiskPart Wikipedia

Celebrate the all time fan favorite of Star Wars with this R2D2 USB hub that not only lights up but also plays his notorious R2D2 sounds. Before we get to the product, let us take a few minutes and review how awesome R2D2 is with this summary of his big screen persona.

R2-D2 is a fictional character in the Star Wars franchise, and it is an astromancy droid known for its resourcefulness and loyalty. Here’s a brief history of R2-D2:

Creation and Introduction:

R2-D2 was created by George Lucas and designed by Ralph McQuarrie for the original Star Wars film, “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope,” which was released in 1977. R2-D2 made its first appearance in this film.

Encrypting a USB flash drive is quick and easy in Windows 10. The PRO version of Windows 10 will allow anyone to activate Microsoft’s built in bitlocker technology to encrypt an entire flash drive, or part of a USB flash drive.

Microsoft BitLocker is a disk encryption technology designed to enhance data security by encrypting entire disk volumes on Windows operating systems. Introduced with Windows Vista and included in subsequent versions, BitLocker provides a robust defense against unauthorized access and data breaches.

The primary purpose of BitLocker is to protect sensitive data in case a device is lost, stolen, or accessed by an unauthorized user. It uses full-disk encryption to secure the entire contents of a disk, including the operating system, system files, and user data. Even if someone physically removes the hard drive and attempts to access it on another system, the data remains inaccessible without the proper authentication credentials.

BitLocker employs various encryption methods, with Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) being a commonly used algorithm.

The encryption process is transparent to the user once configured, and access is granted through authentication methods like PINs and passwords.

Below are nine screen shots and simply follow along in your Windows 10 Pro computer and do what you see below. The process is very easy to do. The longest part of this entire setup is the encryption of the USB stick itself. The time required to encrypt the drive will depend on a couple of factors, such as the GB capacity of the USB drive and the processing power of your computer. In the example below, using a USB 2.0 device with a 16GB capacity the encryption time took only 4 minutes.