Every file and every program leaves traces in your system: It accesses other files, uses Windows resources, makes entries in the registry, and possibly installs additional software. In the best-case scenario, you will only clutter up your Windows if the software’s uninstall routine does not delete all associated files and registry entries. In the worst-case scenario, malware will infect your system or ransomware will encrypt your files. If you want to try out new programs or open unknown files, it is best to do this in a particularly secure environment that is separate from the running system: This is exactly what a sandbox offers. If you open a program in a sandbox, it works as expected, but cannot make any permanent changes to the system or access resources outside its environment — the sandbox prevents this, redirects access, and deletes all activities of the program and itself when you close it. With a sandbox, you can therefore try out new software or install programs from dubious sources with less risk, surf potentially unsafe websites, and keep your system clean. We will show you various ways of setting up and using a suitable sandbox for programs and files under Windows: These range from Windows on-board resources and virtual systems to browsers and programs with their own sandbox function. We describe the Sandboxie-Plus software in particular detail — the simplest and most practical sandbox solution for most users. Further reading: Is a hacker logged into your Google account? Here’s how to tell Sandbox for the browser You probably already use a sandbox: Current browsers such as Chrome and Firefox use this protection technology. They rely on Windows security mechanisms: This has the advantage that they can guarantee a high level of protection without having to use a lot of resources, which could result in websites opening slowly, for example. Like most browsers, Chrome opens each tab in its own isolated process, which can be seen in the Task Manager. All websites are shielded from each other. IDG Each browser tab is opened in its own sandbox. This prevents Chrome and others from automatically downloading programs on a website or running malicious scripts. This process also protects against attacks that are executed via a website without an antivirus program raising the alarm (zero-day exploits). Each tab of the browser runs as an isolated process and has no access to other tabs or the system. It also starts with very limited rights — which is why you usually have to authorize a website’s access to the computer camera, for example. In addition, the separation of the individual tabs should mean that the crash of a website does not paralyze the entire browser, but only the corresponding tab. How and whether the browser sandbox works can be observed in the Windows Task Manager: Under “Processes” you can see that numerous other processes are running under the “Google Chrome” entry — these are the separate sandboxes of the individual tabs. Further reading: How to turn a USB flash drive into a secure login key for your PC You can find out more details by entering the command chrome://sandbox/ in the browser address bar: The tabs here are called “Renderer” — this is the function that displays web pages. Each should also appear in the “Sandbox” column and in the next column with the note “Lockdown.” Like the “Untrusted” entry to the right, this means that this process has very few access rights to the system. IDG Nevertheless, you should always update your browser, as hackers often try to exploit the sandbox via other security vulnerabilities in order to give scripts and programs on a website more access rights. Programs with a built-in sandbox Windows also uses a sandbox for certain programs: Apps from the Microsoft Store — the so-called UWP apps (Universal Windows Platform) — run in an isolated process with reduced rights. This means they can be uninstalled without leaving any residue. In many cases, you must also authorize them to access files or hardware such as the camera or microphone. However, only a few users use UWP apps. The more frequently installed standard programs — the so-called desktop apps — run without a sandbox and rights restrictions. You also give many UWP apps certain rights during installation. You can check what these are before installation on the app page in the Microsoft Store under the entry “This app can” and after installation in the Windows settings under “Privacy > App permissions.” You can revoke these rights there — although this often means that the app no longer functions correctly. Programs from the Microsoft Store run in an isolated environment: However, they often request numerous rights during installation, which undermine this protection.Foundry From version 24H2, Windows 11 also supports a sandbox function for normal programs — Win32 App Isolation. However, manufacturers must incorporate this into their software for the protection to work. Acrobat Reader offers a secure sandbox function for PDF documents: If you receive a PDF as an attachment from an email or an insecure source, you can prevent code contained in the document from being executed or you from being taken to a nefarious website when you click on a link in the PDF. To use the PDF sandbox, go to “Settings > Security (advanced)” in the Reader menu and activate the “Enable protected mode on startup” option. Additional protection is provided by the “Protected view” below, where you can choose whether it should apply to all PDFs or only to those from insecure sources. The Reader then opens the PDF in read-only mode, which means it cannot be filled in and usually cannot be saved or printed. Free special tool Sandboxie-Plus The small open source tool Sandboxie-Plus is ideal for running all suspicious files and programs in isolation. You install it as usual under Windows and can then start the desired content directly in a sandbox container. The complete range of functions of Sandboxie-Plus costs $40 per year: You can pay the programmer directly via Paypal or you can buy a supporter certificate on the website. For use on a home computer, however, the free basic functions, which we present below, are sufficient. With Sandboxie-Plus, programs can be started in an isolated environment: They cannot access the system and can be removed without leaving any residue.Foundry Sandboxie-Plus is available in versions for standard Windows and for Arm Windows. The tool can also be installed as a mobile app on a USB stick. After installation, you will be greeted by a setup wizard where you first select the option “Personal, for non-commercial use” for the free functions. In the next window, you can obtain a so-called evaluation certificate by clicking on the red, underlined text: This allows you to test the software with all functions for 10 days. Otherwise, click on “Next.” For the user interface, you can choose between an expert and a beginner mode as well as a light or dark mode for the display. It is best to accept the default settings and click “Next” again. Finish setting up the software in the last window by clicking on “Finish.” In the following window for the “Global settings,” you do not need to adjust anything and click on “OK.” Running risky programs in Sandboxie-Plus Sandboxie-Plus starts with a two-part interface: At the top you will see the entry for a “DefaultBox.” You can start suspicious programs in this box. In the lower window, the tool logs all actions and settings. The user interface can also be called up by right-clicking on the tool icon in the system tray and selecting “Show / Hide.” To start software safely in a sandbox, click on “Sandbox > Run in sandbox.” Confirm the settings in the next window with “OK.” Another window then appears: Enter the name of the software that you want to start in Sandboxie-Plus and confirm with “OK.” If you do not know the exact name or the tool cannot find a program that matches your input, you can call up the software directly with the Explorer via “Search.” This start procedure is recommended for programs that you have installed but want to start again in the secure environment — for example, your web browser: If you call it up again in the sandbox, you can use it to visit suspicious websites without risk. The program then starts: The corresponding EXE file appears in the top window of Sandboxie-Plus. You can recognize that software is running in the sandbox by two features: Its name in the program window begins and ends with a diamond symbol — for example, if you open the Chrome browser in the sandbox and drag the mouse to its icon in the taskbar, it will say [#] New Tab – Google Chrome [#]. If you move the mouse to the top edge of the program window, a yellow frame appears. There is also a window finder in Sandboxie-Plus under “Sandbox — Is the window in a sandbox?” There, click on the circle in the small program window on the left, hold down the left mouse button and release it in the window of the program whose status you want to check: The answer to the question will then appear in the window finder. Sandboxie-Plus is also entered in the context menu of Windows Explorer: You can then call up the desired program with a right-click and the command “Start Sandboxed.” For example, software that you have just downloaded can be installed in the sandbox by starting the corresponding EXE or installation file with Sandboxie-Plus. It is advisable to run each program and each file in its own sandbox: When starting via Sandboxie-Plus or the context menu, select the entry “Run in a new sandbox” in the next window and then “Standard sandbox.” You can also give each sandbox a meaningful name here. Important programs can be started particularly quickly in Sandboxie-Plus, for example your browser, your email program, or Windows Explorer: Click on an existing sandbox in the top right-hand corner of the tool window. Then select “Start > Standard programs” and then the desired software. Open and check suspicious files Like programs, individual files can also be opened in an isolated sandbox. Sandboxie-Plus starts the default program for this file — for example Word for a DOCX file. If the program crashes, change a setting in Sandboxie-Plus: Open the file in a new sandbox as described. In the window in which you select “Standard Sandbox” as the box type, tick the “Configure advanced options” option at the bottom right. After clicking on “Next,” select “Version 1” for “Virtualization scheme,” click on “Next” several times, and finish with “Finish.” With Sandboxie-Plus, you can tell whether a software really works in the sandbox by the yellow frame around the program window and the hashtags before and after the program name at the top.IDG Important: A program that you start in the sandbox can only read files outside the sandbox and cannot change them. If you open a file within the sandboxed software, it can be changed, but this has no effect on the original file: For example, if you start Outlook in the sandbox and delete an email there, it will still be there when you open Outlook normally. Emails with suspicious attachments can be examined in this way: You open your mail program in the sandbox and open the attachment. If it seems suspicious or comes from an unexpected sender, delete the sandbox and then delete the email in your normal email program without opening it or looking at the attachment. Sandboxie-Plus isolates programs and files by creating separate directories for them: These are located in the program directory “C:\Sandbox\username,” where there is a separate folder for each sandbox. The tool also stores changes made by the isolated program in the registry there. In this way, no traces remain in the system when you delete the corresponding sandbox. You can do this by right-clicking on the desired sandbox in the upper window of Sandboxie-Plus and selecting “Remove sandbox” from the context menu. If you want to keep the sandbox but close the programs running in it, select the “Close all processes” command in the context menu. Alternative: Virtual PC A virtual PC (VPC) is also suitable for starting risky programs or opening suspicious files. Windows includes the Windows Sandbox for this purpose. It is a VPC based on Microsoft’s Hyper-V virtualization software, but is only included in Windows Pro. You also need to install it first: You do this via the Control Panel and “Enable or disable Windows features.” Select the “Windows Sandbox” entry there and restart the computer. You will then find the program as “Windows Sandbox” in the selection of installed apps. After starting, another Windows desktop opens as the user interface of the virtual PC: You operate this as you would your normal system — so you can install and try out programs in the Windows Sandbox. You can copy and paste suspicious files from the main system to the virtual Windows. Since the Windows 11 update 22H2, the VPC also supports a restart that preserves its data and applications. However, this only applies if you only restart the sandbox: If you close the VPC window or restart the main system, the contents of the sandbox will be deleted. If you are using Windows Home, you can use free virtualization programs such as Virtualbox for a VPC. However, the virtual computer needs an operating system — if it is to be Windows, you will need an additional lisence for this. A VPC is largely isolated from the main system and is a secure test environment. Compared to Sandboxie-Plus, however, it is oversized if you only occasionally want to try out unknown programs or open suspicious email attachments: You have to install your own operating system in the VPC, which places correspondingly high demands on your computer’s hardware. This applies on the one hand to CPU performance, but above all to RAM: You should provide at least 4GB of RAM exclusively for the virtual system; more RAM significantly increases the ease of use of the VPC. It is also not ideal for a quick file check: You have to start the VPC like a normal system and wait until the virtual Windows is ready for use. Read...

Amazon’s kid-focused version of the Kindle Paperwhite is on sale right now at a price that matches its last Black Friday deal price! That means you can score the Kindle Paperwhite Kids for just $140 (was $180) and have it ready for tons of fun-filled summer reading ahead! You know as much as I do that getting our kids away from their digital screens is hard enough, doubly so when summer vacation hits. But maybe it’s not so bad if that digital screen is used for reading books? Especially with a device that has a gentle-on-the-eyes e-ink display that helps to provide a more immersive reading experience? This Kindle Paperwhite Kids deal is a fantastic opportunity for both parents and kids. With its large 7-inch display, this e-reader has plenty of screen real estate for comfortable reading without being so big that it’s a pain to carry around. The glare-free, e-ink technology makes it as close in feel to reading actual ink on paper, too, and it’s good in all lighting conditions. This is the latest model, by the way, which is the thinnest yet and the most responsive when it comes to page turns. The cherry on top of the Kindle Paperwhite Kids is that it comes with a child-friendly cover and a 2-year worry-free warranty with a free no-questions-asked replacement if your child breaks it, plus 6 complimentary months of Amazon Kids+, a digital subscription service with unlimited access to thousands of age-appropriate ebooks. No matter how you slice it, this world-class e-reader is a gift to both you and your kid—and now’s the best time to get one with summer rearing its head and the price down to its all-time best. Snag the Kindle Paperwhite Kids for just $140 while this limited-time deal is still available! The latest Kindle Paperwhite Kids is at its best sale price againBuy now at Amazon Read...

Who has the time to wait around while their phone trickle charges? Not me, and not you. That’s why it’s so essential these days to have a fast charging block that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg—like this Ugreen 65W 4-device USB-C wall plug that’s on sale for just $25.79 on Amazon, a lovely 40% discount on its original $43 price. This GaN charger is super fast and perfectly suitable for smartphones, tablets, handheld gaming consoles, and even some MacBook models. Providing up to 65W of charging power, it’s able to refill the battery on a MacBook Air M2 about halfway in just 30 minutes. The GaN technology makes it smaller, faster, and more power efficient than previous USB charging blocks, and this one has additional protections against overvoltage, overcurrent, short circuits, and extreme temps. Three of the four ports on this charger are USB-C while the fourth one is USB-A. Note that the total 65W throughput of this block is for a single active left-side USB-C port. You can charge multiple devices at once, but the charging power will be split (and thus slower) between them. Still, it’s plenty fast even with two or three simultaneously. And the plug on this block is foldable, so it’s especially nice for traveling—just toss it into a bag without worrying about it getting damaged or scratching anything. This fast charging 4-port Ugreen wall plug is a win for $25.79 and a must-have for any home or office that’s still fumbling about with numerous, chunky, last-gen power adapters that are slower than snails. Snag it while you can because this 40% discount won’t stick around forever! Score this fast charging 4-device USB-C wall plug for just $26Buy now at Amazon Read...

VeVe and Lucasfilm launch a new Star Wars digital collectible series featuring Stormtrooper helmets and AR Podracers, priced from USD $10, to celebrate May the 4th. Read...

The funding, over 7 years, will establish a new science platform hosted by the Robinson Research Institute at Victoria University of Wellington. Read...

The Technology Users Association urges New Zealand to boost its digital strategy, tackling cybersecurity and tech skills gaps to remain globally competitive. Read...

When was the last time you used a USB flash drive? I had to think for a moment myself — and to be honest, I can’t remember exactly. For years, the USB stick was the device of choice when it came to fast and uncomplicated data transfer. Why do these practical storage aids hardly play a role today, and are they possibly even on the verge of extinction? A look at current developments sheds some light on this. Why USB flash drives are no longer popular? As compact and handy as they are, USB sticks have lost much of their relevance in recent years. One of the main reasons is their comparatively low storage capacity. Many commercially available models end at 256GB or 512GB, which means that large amounts of data such as 4K videos, complete photo archives, or system backups can only be transported to a limited extent. Although there are also some high-end sticks with up to 2 terabytes of memory, such as the Seagate Ultra Compact SSD, many people prefer to use an SSD for such capacities. The reason: SSDs generally use more powerful flash chips, which ensure higher data transfer rates and a longer service life. Another problem: The classic USB-A connection is hardly suitable for modern devices. Most laptops and tablets rely on USB-C, as do smartphones. mentioned in this article Seagate Ultra Compact SSD Read our review Best Prices Today: $79.99 at B & H Photo Although there are now USB sticks with Type C connectors, such as the aforementioned Seagate Ultra Compact. There are also so-called dual sticks with USB-A and USB-C connections, but in practice this is often a compromise. Many of these models rely on simple controllers and cheaper flash memory, which results in significantly slower transfer rates — especially when writing large files. Modern alternatives to USB flash drives External hard drives: lots of storage for little money External hard drives, such as SSDs, are robust and powerful — with significantly more storage space than the average USB stick. External hard drives — whether classic HDDs or fast SSDs — are among the most popular alternatives to USB sticks. They offer significantly more storage (up to 4TB and more), and SSDs in particular impress with their high transfer speed via USB-C or Thunderbolt. While HDDs offer a lot of space at a favorable price, SSDs are the better choice for large amounts of data, as they are faster, more robust, and hardly more expensive in higher storage classes than comparable USB sticks. Advantages: Significantly more storage space than USB sticks Shock-resistant and durable, higher-quality flash chips Ideal for backups or large amounts of data Disadvantages: Larger and heavier than a USB stick Sometimes more expensive, especially for SSD models Sandisk Extreme Portable SSD 1TB (portable NVMe SSD) External drive with SSD technology 2.5 inch, USB-C, up to 2,000 MB/s read and write, NVMe SSD, IP65, 5-year warranty Buy it on amazon Crucial X10 Pro 1TB Portable SSD External drive with SSD technology, USB-C, up to 2,100MB/s read and 2,000MB/s write, IP55 Buy it on Amazon SSK 2TB portable, external NVME SSD External drive with SSD technology, NVMe SSD, 2.7 inch, USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1,050MB/s read and 1,000MB/s write speed Buy it on Amazon Further reading: The best external drives we’ve tested SD cards: Small, fast – but not universal SD memory cards can be used to expand mobile phone memory, for example.SanDisk SD cards (or microSDs with an adapter) are also a compact alternative to USB sticks. They are standard, especially for cameras, drones, and mobile devices, as well as some laptops. In combination with a USB-C card reader, SD cards can even be used as mini storage drives for notebooks. Further reading: SD cards, demystified: How to decipher the confusing jumble of specs The advantage over classic USB sticks: SD cards can be used more flexibly in many areas, are often cheaper per gigabyte and — depending on the class and model — also achieve high transfer speeds. They are also easy to replace or permanently integrate into devices, such as cameras or laptops with card readers. So if you work with memory cards anyway, you can easily use them as a mobile drive (and save yourself the extra stick). Advantages: Extremely small and light Good speeds with modern UHS-II cards Can be used directly in many devices Disadvantages: Susceptible to loss or damage A card reader is usually required for use on a PC Amazon Basics microSDXC 128GB SD memory card with 128GB and SD adapter, 100MB/s maximum read speed Buy it on Amazon Sandisk Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-I memory card 512GB Sandisk UHS-I memory card, 512 GB, V30, transfer speed 200 MB/s, U3, 4K UHD videos, Sandisk QuickFlow technology Buy it on Amazon Cloud services: Storage space always with you The cloud is probably the most modern alternative to USB sticks. Services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud, or OneDrive offer storage space on the internet that you can access from any device — without a physical drive. Advantages: Access from anywhere with an internet connection Ideal for collaboration and shared files Automatic synchronization possible Disadvantages: Dependent on a stable internet connection Limited free storage, followed by a paid subscription Data protection and encryption are important issues Conclusion: USB drive only for special cases? The humble USB flash drive has not yet completely lost its place — it is quite common and ideal for simple data transfers, firmware updates, or as a boot stick. But as an everyday solution, it is long outdated. The combination of limited memory, decreasing compatibility, and growing requirements makes it a discontinued model. Modern alternatives such as SSDs, SD cards, or cloud services offer better performance, more flexibility and, in many cases, a better price-performance ratio. Further reading: 6 genuinely helpful uses for the USB port on your router Read...

The technology giant says US tariffs will add around $900m to its costs this quarter. Read...

EZVIZ has established itself as a market leader in smart security cameras. The brand has a robust lineup of products to suit every household, including options with solar panel support, high-resolution video, pan and tilt tracking, security lighting and more. It doesn’t stop there, though. EZVIZ also has a lineup of smart entry products that can further enhance your home security. These solutions provide convenient entry to your home for yourself and your guests, as well as advanced security features for peace of mind when you’re away. EZVIZ has been recognised for its advancements in smart entry tech, and it recently won a prestigious Plus X Award as the Best Brand for Smart Entry Products 2025. Let’s take a closer look at some of the brand’s solutions to find out why. EZVIZ HP7 Pro 4K Palm Vein Video Doorphone The HP7 Pro is EZVIZ’s latest innovation, and if you’re looking for solutions to upgrade a large house or a villa, it could be just what you need. The HP7 Pro is so slick that it has been awarded Gold Winner at the MUSE Design Awards. The HP7 Pro is a video doorphone that’s designed to replace an aging intercom system, and it installs easily using the existing wiring. It combines many of the benefits of the other products mentioned in this article, offering keyless entry, remote access, two-way talk and more. If that wasn’t enough, the HP7 Pro takes keyless entry a step further. It benefits from palm vein recognition technology, as well as facial recognition. So, rather than fumbling for your RFID card, you can unlock your gate with a wave. It’s great for older relatives and children who might not have a smartphone to unlock the property, as the camera will recognise them automatically. The staggered launch of the HP7 Pro will begin worldwide in May. Stay tuned. EZVIZ DL05 Smart Fingerprint Lock EZVIZ Keys have been around for thousands of years, and they serve their purpose, but they can be annoying to carry, and even more annoying if you lose them. With the EZVIZ DL05 smart lock, you can make keys a thing of the past. The DL05 supports multiple keyless entry methods, including fingerprint scanning, NFC cards, passcodes and smartphone unlocking. What’s more, you can share temporary passcodes for visitors, or even grant access remotely – if a maintenance worker arrives when you’re away, for instance. Installation is simple, and the battery lasts for up to a year on a charge, so maintenance is barely an inconvenience. It’s also weatherproof, so no matter which door you want to upgrade, it’ll be well sealed against the elements. Learn more about the EZVIZ DL05 Smart Fingerprint Lock EZVIZ EP3x Pro Battery-Powered Video Doorbell EZVIZ If you get a lot of packages, the EP3x Pro is a dream come true. This innovative video doorbell includes a second camera that points down towards your doorstep, so you can check on your packages while away from home. At the same time, you get a wide-angle forward-facing camera with a crisp 2K resolution, so you can see visitors and the front of your property. The EP3x Pro is packed with useful features like human motion detection, package detection, two-way talk and color night vision. It can be easily installed with no need for wires, thanks to a capacious 5200 mAh built-in battery. The battery life is outstanding as standard, but if you want to go even longer between charges, it’s available with a solar panel kit to keep it topped up all year round. Learn more about the EZVIZ EP3x Pro Battery-Powered Video Doorbell EZVIZ HP2 Wire-Free Peephole Door Viewer EZVIZ If you live in an apartment complex, you likely have an old-school peephole on your front door. It’s better than nothing, but with this simple and affordable upgrade from EZVIZ, you can make your peephole so much more useful. It installs easily without requiring modification to most doors with an existing peephole. Then you’ll be able to see who’s at the door on a large 4.3-inch color screen, rather than pressing your face up to the tiny hole. What’s more, the camera feed can be viewed remotely using the EZVIZ app on your mobile phone. So, even if you’re away from home, you can keep an eye on your hallway. Learn more about the EZVIZ HP2 Peephole Door Viewer Read...

When was the last time you used a USB flash drive? I had to think for a moment myself — and to be honest, I can’t remember exactly. For years, the USB stick was the device of choice when it came to fast and uncomplicated data transfer. What is the reason for these practical storage aids hardly playing a role today, and are they possibly even on the verge of extinction? A look at current developments sheds some light on this. Why USB flash drives are no longer popular? As compact and handy as they are, USB sticks have lost much of their relevance in recent years. One of the main reasons is their comparatively low storage capacity. Many commercially available models end at 256GB or 512GB, which means that large amounts of data such as 4K videos, complete photo archives, or system backups can only be transported to a limited extent. Although there are also some high-end sticks with up to 2 terabytes of memory, such as the Seagate Ultra Compact SSD, many people prefer to use an SSD for such capacities. The reason: SSDs generally use more powerful flash chips, which ensure higher data transfer rates and a longer service life. Another problem: The classic USB-A connection is hardly suitable for modern devices. Most laptops and tablets rely on USB-C, as do smartphones. mentioned in this article Seagate Ultra Compact SSD Read our review Best Prices Today: $79.99 at B & H Photo Although there are now USB sticks with Type C connectors, such as the aforementioned Seagate Ultra Compact. There are also so-called dual sticks with USB-A and USB-C connections, but in practice this is often a compromise. Many of these models rely on simple controllers and cheaper flash memory, which results in significantly slower transfer rates — especially when writing large files. Modern alternatives to USB flash drives External hard drives: lots of storage for little money External hard drives, such as SSDs, are robust and powerful — with significantly more storage space than the average USB stick. External hard drives — whether classic HDDs or fast SSDs — are among the most popular alternatives to USB sticks. They offer significantly more storage (up to 4TB and more), and SSDs in particular impress with their high transfer speed via USB-C or Thunderbolt. While HDDs offer a lot of space at a favorable price, SSDs are the better choice for large amounts of data, as they are faster, more robust, and hardly more expensive in higher storage classes than comparable USB sticks. Advantages: Significantly more storage space than USB sticks Shock-resistant and durable, higher-quality flash chips Ideal for backups or large amounts of data Disadvantages: Larger and heavier than a USB stick Sometimes more expensive, especially for SSD models Sandisk Extreme Portable SSD 1TB (portable NVMe SSD) External drive with SSD technology 2.5 inch, USB-C, up to 2,000 MB/s read and write, NVMe SSD, IP65, 5-year warranty Buy it on amazon Crucial X10 Pro 1TB Portable SSD External drive with SSD technology, USB-C, up to 2,100MB/s read and 2,000MB/s write, IP55 Buy it on Amazon SSK 2TB portable, external NVME SSD External drive with SSD technology, NVMe SSD, 2.7 inch, USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1,050MB/s read and 1,000MB/s write speed Buy it on Amazon Further reading: The best external drives we’ve tested SD cards: Small, fast – but not universal SD memory cards can be used to expand mobile phone memory, for example.SanDisk SD cards (or microSDs with an adapter) are also a compact alternative to USB sticks. They are standard, especially for cameras, drones, and mobile devices, as well as some laptops. In combination with a USB-C card reader, SD cards can even be used as mini storage drives for notebooks. Further reading: SD cards, demystified: How to decipher the confusing jumble of specs The advantage over classic USB sticks: SD cards can be used more flexibly in many areas, are often cheaper per gigabyte and — depending on the class and model — also achieve high transfer speeds. They are also easy to replace or permanently integrate into devices, such as cameras or laptops with card readers. So if you work with memory cards anyway, you can easily use them as a mobile drive (and save yourself the extra stick). Advantages: Extremely small and light Good speeds with modern UHS-II cards Can be used directly in many devices Disadvantages: Susceptible to loss or damage A card reader is usually required for use on a PC Amazon Basics microSDXC 128GB SD memory card with 128GB and SD adapter, 100MB/s maximum read speed Buy it on Amazon Sandisk Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-I memory card 512GB Sandisk UHS-I memory card, 512 GB, V30, transfer speed 200 MB/s, U3, 4K UHD videos, Sandisk QuickFlow technology Buy it on Amazon Cloud services: Storage space always with you The cloud is probably the most modern alternative to USB sticks. Services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud, or OneDrive offer storage space on the internet that you can access from any device — without a physical drive. Advantages: Access from anywhere with an internet connection Ideal for collaboration and shared files Automatic synchronization possible Disadvantages: Dependent on a stable internet connection Limited free storage, followed by a paid subscription Data protection and encryption are important issues Conclusion: USB drive only for special cases? The humble USB flash drive has not yet completely lost its place — it is quite common and ideal for simple data transfers, firmware updates, or as a boot stick. But as an everyday solution, it is long outdated. The combination of limited memory, decreasing compatibility, and growing requirements makes it a discontinued model. Modern alternatives such as SSDs, SD cards, or cloud services offer better performance, more flexibility and, in many cases, a better price-performance ratio. Read...