free software to access HFS/Mac file systems

For a limited time, Paragon Software is giving free licenses for HFS for Windows:

"HFS for Windows enables the use of Mac-formatted partitions in Windows operating systems...

"...Windows cannot read from and write to HFS+ partitions. This limits the ability to exchange or share files between Windows and Mac OS X file systems...

"Paragon HFS for Windows is designed to provide full (read and write) access to HFS+ partitions. It can be installed on all versions of Windows..."

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"HFS for Windows, the only software that lets you read Apple iPods, Macs and iPad data from a Windows PC...

"If you have an iPod you may probably know that it contains all your music inside some sly hidden folders. When you attach your iPod (excluding Touch models) to the system it can be seen as a simple Removable Flash Drive..."

Even if you don't need it now, do consider that having this software might be very helpful in the future...

USB ID (for humans and animals)

"Medic ID bracelets or medical alert emblems have only a word or phone number on them. MedicTag is designed to let you carry all your emergency information with you at all times..."

MedicTag is a USB digital memory chip drive that contains your emergency information. Any emergency service, ambulance, police or rescue squad with a laptop computer can have instant access to all your emergency information: emergency contacts, existing conditions, allergies, medications...

It could be useful to: joggers, cyclists, hikers , hunters, those with alzheimer's, those who live in areas where natural disasters could happen (hurricanes/fires/floods/earthquakes/tornados)...

The CARE Memory Band is a USB drive-integrated wristband.

For pets, there's the PetSafe Micro I.D. Rescue Collar (available in 3 sizes PETCO retail stores nationwide and online).

kudos to SanDisk

After using Windows ReadyBoost, I cannot recommend it:  I did not notice any performance enhancement...
 
I was using ReadyBoost on a SanDisk Cruzer Micro USB Flash Drive.  I decided to cease using ReadyBoost, and use the drive for storage.  I was unable to format the drive (I suspect ReadyBoost may have written to the drive too much:  as with other types of storage, flash drives have limitations as to how many times they can be written to).

I contacted SanDisk for assistance.  We traded a few messages about troubleshooting back and forth.  After not being able to get it to work, I was told to send the drive to them...and they would pay for shipping!  (I had to print the label, and package the drive.)

I always tell people, BEFORE purchasing something, inquire as to the return policy.  I recommend you consider SanDisk for your memory and storage needs:  I was not put through "support-hell"...I gave them the benefit of considering their suggestions, and they trusted I had done reasonable effort to resolve the issue.

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When I plugged the new drive into a Windows XP computer, the U3 software launched...and seemed to be causing my computer to become unresponsive.  I was able to remove the software, but it did not go very smoothly.  I have an identical SanDisk Cruzer Micro USB Flash Drive with U3 software, and have had no problems with it.

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