Abstract: Access control for a memory device is provided. In one embodiment, a portable memory device is provided comprising a storage medium comprising a private area and circuitry operative to (a) receive, from a host device, a password to unlock the host device, (b) compare the password with a password stored in the portable memory device, and (c) if the passwords match, allow the host device to access the private area. In another embodiment, a portable memory device is provided comprising a storage medium comprising a private area and a public area. The public area stores computer-readable program code to facilitate interaction with the access control features of the portable memory device. Methods for use with such memory devices are also provided. Other embodiments are disclosed, and each of the embodiments can be used alone or together in combination.

Abstract: A method for storing data in a computer having a magnetic hard disk drive (HDD) and an electronic solid-state drive (SSD). The method includes configuring the computer so that the HDD and the SSD are each independently accessible by an operating system of the computer. A plurality of files is received for storage by the computer. A predicted use profile of the computer is defined. A respective one of the HDD and the SDD is selected for the storage of each of the files responsively to the predicted use profile.

Abstract: Access control for a memory device is provided. In one embodiment, a portable memory device is provided comprising a storage medium comprising a private area and circuitry operative to (a) receive, from a host device, a password to unlock the host device, (b) compare the password with a password stored in the portable memory device, and (c) if the passwords match, allow the host device to access the private area. In another embodiment, a portable memory device is provided comprising a storage medium comprising a private area and a public area. The public area stores computer-readable program code to facilitate interaction with the access control features of the portable memory device. Methods for use with such memory devices are also provided. Other embodiments are disclosed, and each of the embodiments can be used alone or together in combination.

Abstract: A peripheral communicates with a host according to a protocol such as USB. In case a user of the host is restricted by an operating system of the host from sending certain information to the peripheral, a pattern of protocol commands that includes one or more read commands is defined that sends the information despite the restriction. Preferably, all the protocol commands of the pattern are read commands.

Abstract: A method for storing data in a computer having a magnetic hard disk drive (HDD) and an electronic solid-state drive (SSD). The method includes configuring the computer so that the HDD and the SSD are each independently accessible by an operating system of the computer. A plurality of files is received for storage by the computer. A predicted use profile of the computer is defined. A respective one of the HDD and the SDD is selected for the storage of each of the files responsively to the predicted use profile.

Abstract: A peripheral communicates with a host according to a protocol such as USB. In case a user of the host is restricted by an operating system of the host from sending certain information to the peripheral, a pattern of protocol commands that includes one or more read commands is defined that sends the information despite the restriction. Preferably, all the protocol commands of the pattern are read commands.