USB Flash Drives
by: jameswalsh
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Word Count: 806
The older storage devices like tapes, floppy disks, CDs etc just do not serve the purpose. They were useful in the early stages of data storage but now cannot adapt to present day demands. The USB hard drives are gaining in popularity as a perfect solution for both personal and business data storage.
Features
USB drives are NAND-type flash memory data storage devices. They are integrated with a Universal Serial Bus interface. These drives have been designed keeping in mind current requirements. Typically, they are small, lightweight, rewritable and removable. They are also extremely versatile and come in storage capacities ranging from 32 MB to 64 GB. This feature makes it appealing to every kind of computer user.
Further, these USB drives are compact, have great speed and have a very durable design. They are made hardier than most other storage devices. They adapt to all operating systems such as Windows, Linux, Unix and Mac OSX. A USB flash drive comprises of a small printed circuit board. This is made up of either a metal or plastic casing. This makes the drive sturdy and can easily be carried about.
Most drives come with a connection which enables it to be connected directly to a computer. These drives become active only when plugged into a USB connection. High speed drives might require more power and might have to be connected through a self-powered hub.
Advantages
The main advantage of the USB flash drive is that it acts as the perfect backup solution. It is sturdier than other storage devices, has amazing storage capacity and can transfer data at incredible speeds. This is exactly what modern day computer users need from a storage device.
Another advantage of the USB drive is that it is extremely portable. Its design makes it less susceptible to wear and tear and its size makes it easy to carry around. Today’s users are constantly on the move and need to have access to critical data at any given point in time. This portable device helps them commute with their mission critical files slipped into their pocket. Further, since USB drives are compatible with most modern computers, they can be used at any destination.
The USB drive has been designed keeping a long term perspective in mind. The technology used is extremely advanced and, therefore, will be usable in the foreseeable future. This aspect gives it an aspect of reliability that most users look for in a storage device. Nobody likes having to constantly update the devices they use and the USB drive offers a long term promise.
These flash drives are impervious to scratches and dust, which is a distinct advantage over other storage devices. In fact, some flash drives can retain data even after being submerged in water. All one has to do with them is to leave them out to dry completely, before allowing current to pass through them. Most operating systems can read and write to these drives, which makes them extremely appealing.
USB drives are easily available, and considering their different features, is great value for money. Most users who use USB drives swear by them and do not go back to using any other storage device.
Weaknesses
Perhaps, the greatest drawback of the USB drive is that it can support only a limited amount of write and erase cycles. After going through a few of these cycles, it is inclined to failure. Most drives do not have an in-built write protect mechanism. A write protect mechanism is important because it helps to repair host computers which are contaminated by viruses.
Another possible drawback is that, sometimes, the USB interface is bigger than the storing body. Further, the average user whose data storage needs are limited might find it a little expensive to invest in a USB flash drive. While its compact size increases its portability, the very same feature could make it easy to misplace.
Conclusion
The few drawbacks that a USB drive appears to have are too trivial to take away from its many advantages. In fact, there is no real reason not to acquire a USB flash drive as it definitely makes life easier. In a world driven by data, the USB drive offers itself as a perfect storage solution. Its design, reliability, portability and storage capacity make it a well-rounded device designed to suit modern day needs.
About the Author
James Walsh is a freelance writer and copy editor. For more information on computer crime and Computer Forensics see http://www.fieldsassociates.co.uk
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