The 2008 geek gadget gift guide: Gatekeeper Pico

28.11.2008

Why you must have it: Anti-malware software is annoying, what with all those alert pop-ups. Plus, it gobbles PC resources that would be better spent running a mobile simulator or 3-D game. So InfoWorld CTO Council member Marvin Anderson and his colleagues at Trexin have on their wish list the Gatekeeper Pico from Yoggie. It's a small Linux-based minicomputer that -- get this -- runs a baker's dozen of security apps, from anti-virus to stateful packet inspection, all from a USB token. Uninstall your current anti-malware software, plug in the Pico, and you're set. Because the Pico boots from Linux, it's not susceptible to the usual PC malware.

Your chances of having the first one on the block: Good, as the PC version has been out less than a year and the Mac version less than two months.

What you must know: Yoggie also offers a management server if you want to deploy its enterprise cousin, the Pico Pro, corporatewide.

What you need: The Pico costs $149 and is available in Windows and Mac versions. The Pico Pro costs $199 and is available only for Windows. You'll need an open USB 2.0 port on your computer.