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Flash Memory Drives - Flash Memory Cards - Thumb Drive
Unless you only use one computer all the time, you’ll want to strongly consider the purchase of one or more flash memory drives. A flash memory drive is a small device that plugs into a computer’s USB port and allows you to quickly store files and data easily. They come in sizes as small as 256 megabytes to as large as eight gigabytes. The more memory you purchase, the more it will cost.
For most computer users, though, a small 512 Mb flash drive is sufficient for infrequent use. Contrast the convenience of flash memory drive, which allows reading, writing, and erasing – just like a floppy – to that of a CD-ROM or DVD. A flash drive is also smaller and can be accessed much quicker than a DVD or CD-ROM. Most flash drive manufacturers include a keychain or a rope necklace to allow you to hang it from your neck. This is far more convenient than lugging around a CD jewel box. Computers also automatically recognize a flash drive as an external drive and treat it accordingly.
Some people even put entire operating systems (like micro-Linux) on their flash drive. IT professionals are known to carry a host of diagnostic software tools on their flash memory drives so they can quickly upload them to a client’s computer.
If you are thinking about buying a flash memory drive, there are a few things you need to know. First, you may not find them just under the name “flash memory drive”. Look for terms like Thumb Drive (Trek) and Jump Drive (Lexar) or Travel Drive (Memorex) which, like Kleenex, have come to be recognized as other names for these devices. Some people refer to them simply as USB drives.
Second, you’ll want to consider how much capacity you’ll need. If you are just going to occasionally share a few Word documents, or text file, a smaller drive is adequate. But, if you plan on carrying large PhotoShop files, multimedia presentations, or MP3 files of your favorite songs, then you’ll want to get a larger capacity flash drive.
Speaking of MP3 files, some flash drives also have a headphone jack and can double as an effective MP3 player. SanDisk, in particular, is known for making MP3 players that also double as flash drives, so don’t just limit your search to the shelves marked USB flash drives. Head over to the MP3 players, and see if, for a little more money, you could get a MP3 player that also meets your need for a flash drive.
While not wholly reliable as backups, flash drives can suffice as temporary backups. Some small business users of financial accounting software backup their data files onto their USB drive at the end of each week. That way, they can access their corporate accounts at home, check their balances, make changes, add invoices, or pay bills. On Monday, they can do a simple restore backup operation in their accounting software, and update their office computer with their weekend work.
To date, USB flash drives are the most popular, affordable method to utilize if you need to frequently transfer files and information from one computer to another.
Copyright 2006 Discount Computers & Deals
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