Move files from a CDROM to a Netbook

As more people go mobile with netbooks instead of full laptops, they often run into a problem with installing files from more traditional formats, such as a CDROM. As netbooks very rarely (if at all!) come with optical drives, it can be difficult when trying to install files on to your netbook to make them portable. After all, not all programs are available as a download from the internet. 

It is a good idea for everyone purchasing a netbook to purchase a couple of additional items before they leave the store: An 8GB or larger flash drive, a sleeve carrying case, and some sort of accidental coverage. 

Out of these items, the most important (not to take anything away from accidental damage coverage) is the 8GB flash (or larger!) flash drive. As many programs come installed on a CDROM drive, you'll have to transfer the data from the CD to the flash drive. Also, using a larger flash drive will give you additional drive space for backups and increase your storage space. To move the data from your CD to your flash drive, simply put the CDROM in a friend's desktop. If you don't have a friend handy, ask your local computer store for assistance. So long as you remain under their watchful eye, they're usually pretty helpful. Once you have the CD in the drive, put in your flash drive and copy everything onto the flash drive. Then you can put the flash drive back into the netbook for installation.

While most programs won't take up 8 GB of space in your thumb drive, it's a good idea to back up your sensitive data on to a thumbdrive 'just in case'. Not only will that save you the frustration of data recovery, but it's a good way to relieve yourself from the smaller keyboard of a netbook and use your files on a full sized keyboard.