I agree with Steve.  Although, they are more of a "stealth" technology, the pen drives present the same issues as floppy disks, and whatever your policy and practices are regarding floppies should apply to pen drives as well.

If you're dealing with students, supervision is key.  With teachers, they also need to be clear on AUP, and how to use virus checkers, etc.

I personally use one all the time; it is one of the handiest gadgets to come along in a while.  No MP3 player, though (SOB).

--Tommy Walz

In a message dated 3/18/2004 2:47:31 PM Eastern Standard Time, Steve Barner <[log in to unmask]> writes:

>A couple of years ago, I was at a security conference where the
>presenter said that, if they were smart, pedophiles and crooks would
>hide their files in their shoes.  Gary Kessler recently said that there
>are restrictions on search warrants, where a warrant to search a house
>would not allow the cops to remove a thumb drive hanging from from the
>keychain in the ignition of the car in the garage.
>
>So, yes, these do present a security challenge for schools.  At least
>some of UVM's computers do not allow the use of these devices by
>non-priviledged users.  But, where do you draw the line on this sort of
>thing?  Is an email attachment ok, but not a Powerpoint a student
>brought in from home? We cannot and probably should not try to lock all
>the disruptive technologies out of our networks.  Yet we need to
>maintain a safe and productive learning environment.  It all comes down
>to policy and supervision.
>
>Steve Barner
>
>
>>>> [log in to unmask] 03/18/04 02:14PM >>>
>Ray -
>
>I'm not sure what policies/procedures would be required that are
>different
>than those for floppy discs. Are you concerned about security, viruses,
>or
>what?
>
>After buying a Flash Drive myself last year and finding it
>indispensable, I
>have recommended them to several teachers who bring documents back and
>forth
>from home on a regular basis. It beats email attachments, floppy
>drives, or
>setting up secure FTP!
>
>
>Eric Hall
>Technology Coordinator
>Waterbury/Duxbury Schools
>Waterbury, VT
>
>
>> Dear List:
>>
>> Anyone have a policy or thoughts on the use of USB thumbdrives or
>keys
>> whatever you want to call them?
>>
>> R.
>>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
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