Java Update; USB Flash Drive

Question

Java Update; USB Flash Drive

Greeting everyone -

_System Configuration_: Mac mini Mid 2007, 2 GHz CPU, 4 GB RAM, 320 GB Hatichi 7K500 HD, System 10.5.8

Problem: Software update "Java for Mac OS X 10.5 Update 5 1.0" results in loosing ability to visit a web site that I normally visit daily. Had to reinstall System Software without the Java update to be able to get into the web site again. I have heard from others that later updates to 10.5 Java fix the problem but, I want to test this by means of a USB Flash Drive first before committing to making changes on my internal hard drive.

_Desired Goal_: Buy USB Flash Drive. Install System 10.5 from original DVD install discs to make Flash Drive bootable. Update Flash Drive with all Software Updates, including Java. Boot from Flash Drive. Test access to the web site.

Questions: (1) In a given capacity what are the differences between different makes/model of USB Flash Drives? Do some have faster memory, etc.?

(2) Is the procedure to make a bootable Flash Drive the same as a normal Hard Drive? (Format with GUID, Run Installation DVDs....

(3) Are there any pitfalls that I need to avoid? Any other suggestions?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

Mac mini Core 2 Duo; 2 GHz, Mac OS X (10.5.8), 4 GMB RAM

Posted on Mar 21, 2011 9:21 AM

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Answer 1

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

Mar 21, 2011 10:51 AM in response to Randy Knowles

Most flash drives are pretty similar, but in my limited experience I've found PNY's Attaches and Transcend's to be reliable and as fast or faster than competitors for "standard" flash drives. There are faster flash drives but they get very expensive in the 16 GB capacity which is what you'll need if you want to install OS X on one.

Installing OS X on a flash drive is no different than on a hard drive.

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Answer 2

Mar 22, 2011 12:54 PM in response to Kappy

Thanks again Kappy. Your advice was spot on. I discovered that the CDW web site gives a lot more in the way of technical specifications than many others, at least as far as flash drives are concerned. Checking both Read and Write speeds, I used your advice to look particularly at PNY Attaches series and Transcend. Especially in the 32 GB size, the Transcend Jet Flash 600 and 620 where right at the sweet spot in the price/performance curve, just as you had suggested. Also as you had mentioned, there were a few others with higher specs, but the prices were dramatically higher, in some cases double (LaCie).

I was not familiar with Transcend before, thanks for your excellent advice!!

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