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Date: Fri, 23 May 2014 21:51:06 -0600 (MDT)
From: Warren Block <wblock@wonkity.com>
To: Erich Dollansky <erichsfreebsdlist@alogt.com>
Subject: Re: write-protected usb flash drive
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On Sat, 24 May 2014, Erich Dollansky wrote:

> Hi,
>
> On Fri, 23 May 2014 18:26:44 -0600
> Gary Aitken <freebsd@dreamchaser.org> wrote:
>
>> I'm having trouble locating what I want --
>> a physically write-protected flash drive.
>> My searches so far have come up empty.
>> Thought someone here would know of one if it exists.
>> I don't want or need additional encryption gimicks on it.
>> Anyone know of one?  32G or larger
>>
> I have not seen one recently. The memory cards used in cameras still
> have a write protection but you would need an adaptor to read them.

The write protect switch on those cards is merely an input, effectively 
saying "please don't write to this card".  It does not actually disable 
writing.  There is replacement firmware for many Canon cameras that uses 
that switch for another function (to enable or disable the replacement 
firmware, as I recall).