USB connection

In message ,
writes
On Sat, 23 Apr 2016 00:13:59 -0700, Mike S wrote:


Just on a gag I searched for USB switch and found this, "Giga Ware USB
A/B Switch"

http://www.amazon.com/Generic-7-Port.../dp/B007S642BW

I've always wondered about the wear-and-tear caused by the frequent
plugging in-and-out of USB devices. Surely a cheap way of minimising
this is to permanently use short USB extension leads connected to both
the PC and the external device. If things start getting flaky, discard
one (or both) of the leads, and fit new.
--
Ian

Good Guy wrote in news:nfe2qi$m0f$1
@news.mixmin.net:

On 22/04/2016 19:11, KenK wrote:
Not strictly XP but...

I like to keep my USB-connected external drive disconnected in case of
ransomeware until I need it, every day for file backup. Problem is,
the
connectors go bad after so many uses too quickly. Is there some sort
of
switchable connector plug that I can use instead?

TIA


Just keep it connected and make sure it is not shareable on the web.

I wasn't aware that was possible.

That way you want get any ransom demands!!

The alternative is to get desktop external HDs that can mounted using
network cable. Effectively, you create your own "cloud" to access your
files.

Are you the same KenK who has about 20TBs of useless data that needs to
be backed up everyday three times a day? This must be keeping you very
busy

No



--
You know it's time to clean the refrigerator
when something closes the door from the inside.

[Default] On Fri, 22 Apr 2016 23:37:12 -0700, in
microsoft.public.windowsxp.general mike wrote:

On 4/22/2016 10:08 PM, Micky wrote:
[Default] On Fri, 22 Apr 2016 16:48:40 -0700, in
microsoft.public.windowsxp.general Mike S wrote:

On 4/22/2016 11:11 AM, KenK wrote:
Not strictly XP but...
I like to keep my USB-connected external drive disconnected in case of
ransomeware until I need it, every day for file backup. Problem is, the
connectors go bad after so many uses too quickly. Is there some sort of
switchable connector plug that I can use instead?
TIA

You might consider using a powered USB hub (one that works with your
drive), allowing you to unplugged/turn off the hub when you want to
break the connection.

I think some (all?) powered hubs work without power if the power needs
can be supplied by the PC.

Based on its markings, I think that's what I have but I've never used
it and it's in the other room. I can get details if you want.

He said "USB-connected" not USB-Powered.
Makes a difference.

Sure, but that doesn't refer to any mistake I made, like you seem to
make it sound.

He said USB-connected but the reply was to suggest a powered hub, and
that's what I replied to. A powered hub woudn't work with what you
describe below. (and for that matter, wouldn't work with what the OP
has if he has what you (and I) have.)

I leave my USB-connected external drive plugged into
USB all the time, but I switch off the power when not in use.

Me too.

I can't speak for all drives, but the interfaces I've tested on external
drives that are powered by external 12V indicates that, at worst, the USB
port powers only the interface, but not the hard drive.
I submit that virtually ALL 3.5" external drives are not USB-powered.

I agree, but USB 2.5" drives are usb-powered. For example, drives
designed to be internal but connected externally.

If the drive really is USB-Powered, then there are multiple sources
for USB hubs with individual power switches. But that leaves you open
to issues when the drive doesn't like the hub.
My USB3 drive works fine plugged in directly, but has random errors
when thru a hub.

Good to know.

You can get short USB extension cables. Then you wear out the extension
but not the drive or PC sockets.
Depending on the size of your backup, a thumb drive on a short extension
cable works great.

On 4/23/2016 9:41 AM, KenK wrote:
Good Guy wrote in news:nfe2qi$m0f$1
@news.mixmin.net:

On 22/04/2016 19:11, KenK wrote:
Not strictly XP but...

I like to keep my USB-connected external drive disconnected in case of
ransomeware until I need it, every day for file backup. Problem is,
the
connectors go bad after so many uses too quickly. Is there some sort
of
switchable connector plug that I can use instead?

TIA


Just keep it connected and make sure it is not shareable on the web.

I wasn't aware that was possible.
You can choose to not share it on the network. I decided that it wouldn't
help. Sure, well-behaved programs would be fine. The objective of
malware is to circumvent normal modes and infect you anyway.
My conclusion is that the only safe drive is one that's powered off...
and never powered on while connected to ANY PC that has EVER been
connected to the network. That's why we have to do stuff that's
not completely safe.


That way you want get any ransom demands!!

The alternative is to get desktop external HDs that can mounted using
network cable. Effectively, you create your own "cloud" to access your
files.

Are you the same KenK who has about 20TBs of useless data that needs to
be backed up everyday three times a day? This must be keeping you very
busy

No

On Fri, 22 Apr 2016 19:11:10 +0100, KenK wrote:


Not strictly XP but...

I like to keep my USB-connected external drive disconnected in case of
ransomeware until I need it, every day for file backup. Problem is, the
connectors go bad after so many uses too quickly. Is there some sort of
switchable connector plug that I can use instead?

TIA


I pull the mains power instead.

--
Bah, and indeed, Humbug

"Kerr Mudd-John" wrote in
news
On Fri, 22 Apr 2016 19:11:10 +0100, KenK wrote:


Not strictly XP but...

I like to keep my USB-connected external drive disconnected in case of
ransomeware until I need it, every day for file backup. Problem is,
the
connectors go bad after so many uses too quickly. Is there some sort
of
switchable connector plug that I can use instead?

TIA


I pull the mains power instead.


My drive gets power through the USB connection.



--
You know it's time to clean the refrigerator
when something closes the door from the inside.