FAQ’s
Do you put any files on the drive after you’ve installed it?
No, they are empty and waiting for your files. I only leave a readme.txt on there, which explains the project and links to this site. Yes, the sticks are set to read and write and should mount as a plain mass storage drive (get rid of any autorun custom ‘cruzer’ stlye software).
How about security issues? How do you prevent misuse with viruses, root-kits and malicious software?
I don’t take any actions here! Live Drops are placed in public space in the Camberwell. They are public domain. This is part of the concept and part of the game. (in the field of street art it means to place things outside). In general everybody is responsible for the security of their computers and systems. Is the Internet a safe place?!? Malicious code for USB flash drives is a problem in general. They could (and will) be misused for malicious software. Be aware of that! Secure your system! Boot a virtual machine! Or ask your friend to go first ;-) … (It’s the thrill of it also! Live Drops themselves will be subject to digital and or physical vandalism. Don’t be sad when it happens. Keep growing and install a new drive in maybe slight different location.
How can I make sure not to infect my system?
There are many possibilities to be on the safe side. ie. you could just boot from your system CD in save mode (Win or Mac) , this would prevent any virus to access your harddrive. Or go ahead and get (Linux) Ubuntu ‘Live’ bootable from CD or USB.
What size of USB flash drive do you use?
You can use any size you want. I’ve used mainly 2GB and 4GB sticks. They are less expensive but old very small storage flash drives are cool too. I guess it is more interesting to have a lot of Live Drops spread over the area, high density than a few with high capacity (USB powered hard drives are thinkable too! The first one who’s cementing one in I’ll buy a beer :-)
Why don’t you use an extension cable!
You can do that if you want. Although I like very much the gesture of plugging the computer directly into a building/wall/curb. I am sure everyone can be gentle enough to not break the Live Drop. When you install one please make sure it is accessable with and without a cable. Leaning on the wall is very comfortable. A cable would be the next step before wireless Live Drops which I personally don’t like as much. (But we can discuss options …)
How about water and rain?
Try to find places which are less exposed to weather. Try to find walls which are protected by overhanging roofs or similar. Often the rain doesn’t hit the wall itself (unless there is a thunderstorm). Experimentation with dryed flash drives after rain need to be done. … As long as the contacts are dry and the board is sealed of we are good, no?
What file format should the USB drive be?
I recommend FAT32 since a wide range of operating systems can read it