| CD burners were hailed as one of the biggest | | | | the USB connection, use the plastic cap that came |
| advances in home-computing technology several | | | | with the drive; many companies include a couple of |
| years ago, but now they are primarily used for | | | | spares in case you misplace them. You should also |
| recording music. While PC users once used 70- or | | | | write your name and contact information on the drive |
| 80-MB discs to backup data, the trend has shifted to | | | | so that, if lost, the finder will know how to contact you |
| the larger, easier, almost-infinitely-rewritable flash drive. | | | | for its safe return. |
| WHAT IS IT? | | | | WHAT ABOUT VIRUSES? |
| A flash drive is a small device that connects to your | | | | When using your flash drive with any computer, you |
| computer's USB port. It's also called a memory stick or | | | | should ensure that your anti-virus program includes this |
| flash device. It can store any type of data you want, | | | | drive in its scans. If you are trying to download directly |
| from installation files to the novel you've been working | | | | to the flash drive, check your anti-virus preferences to |
| on since high school. Data transfers can take as little | | | | ensure that it is scanning downloads as they transfer |
| as two or three seconds, depending on the amount of | | | | onto your computer. Treat the flash drive as you |
| data and the capabilities of your computer. The size of | | | | would your computer's "regular" hard drive and it |
| each drive can range from 32 MB to 8 GB (a | | | | should be safe. |
| maximum that is sure to increase with technological | | | | WHY SHOULD I SWITCH FROM CDS? |
| advances), giving you much more storage space and | | | | There are several very good reasons to buy a flash |
| flexibility than CD-R/W discs. | | | | drive: the best is that you can keep the CD burner for |
| Flash drives come as separate unites that can be | | | | other projects, or as a backup in case you decide that |
| purchased almost anywhere computers or electronics | | | | you don't like the flash-drive option. |
| are sold. Some companies have also integrated them | | | | Other reasons include: |
| into MP3 players and other electronic devices for | | | | -Portability. Flash drives allow you to import data and |
| added convenience. The flash drives recommended | | | | files into computers that are not connected to the |
| here, however, are the "standalone" types. | | | | Internet. You can also switch back and forth between |
| HOW DOES IT WORK? | | | | computers with CD burners and those without them, |
| The flash drive is inserted in any available USB port on | | | | something that you could not do in the past unless you |
| your computer. Newer Windows operating systems | | | | had a large stack of floppy disks. |
| will automatically detect and install any drivers | | | | -Memory. With larger drives, you are getting more |
| necessary to make the device work. Users running | | | | memory than a CD or floppy disk. The largest flash |
| older OS versions might have to download software | | | | drives will give you several gigabytes', which no CD-R |
| from the drive maker's Web site, but this only takes a | | | | can do at this point. |
| few moments. | | | | -Speed. Depending on your computer's age and |
| Once the unit has been detected, you can begin | | | | condition, you can transfer data faster than you can |
| storing and retrieving data. It is very similar to your | | | | even initialize your CD-burning software. |
| computer's hard drive in functionality, but is much | | | | -Simplicity. In many cases, flash drives are |
| smaller and infinitely portable. You can store any type | | | | plug-and-play devices. You do not need any special |
| of data, from song files to software, and access or | | | | technical knowledge or training to use them correctly. |
| overwrite it any time you want. | | | | WHERE CAN I GET ONE? |
| When you want to remove the device, eject it through | | | | Any office-supply store will carry them, as will |
| the "safely eject hardware" icon. You can now | | | | computer and electronics stores. A Web search will |
| remove the flash drive and take it anywhere that you | | | | give you plenty of options and good prices if you |
| want to go. | | | | comparison shop. |
| HOW MUCH IS THIS GOING TO COST ME? | | | | WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW? |
| Depending on where you live and shop, smaller flash | | | | -If you are transferring data from one computer to |
| drives can cost as little as nine dollars, or less than a | | | | another, you must have the same programs installed |
| spindle of CD-R discs. The largest can be a few | | | | on both computers. The files themselves can be easily |
| hundred dollars, but remember that you are getting | | | | moved with a flash drive, but it does not do you any |
| several gigabytes' worth of storage space. That's | | | | good if both (or all) computers do not have the |
| probably at least one-fourth of your main hard drive. | | | | programs required to access that data. The good |
| You can use two or three flash drives to back up | | | | news is that you can use the flash drive to transfer |
| your entire computer system, including | | | | installation files for the programs if it is allowed in the |
| operating-system files, irreplaceable documents, and | | | | software's licensing agreement. |
| system preferences. | | | | -You should always put the plastic cap back on the |
| HOW SECURE IS MY DATA? | | | | "port end" of the flash drive when it is not plugged into |
| Thoughts of security risks tend to keep people from | | | | the computer. Dust, moisture and other elements will |
| considering a flash drive, but there is no good reason | | | | get into the drive and possibly ruin it. Because this drive |
| to worry about it if you take proper steps to prevent | | | | was not a cheap investment, you should do everything |
| data theft, loss or destruction. Many flash drives come | | | | you can to protect it. |
| with programs that allow you to set passwords and | | | | -You should know what version of USB your |
| lock files. You can download this sort of software if it | | | | computer is using before you purchase, or try to use, a |
| does not come with your drive, or you can use the | | | | flash drive. You can find this information in the |
| password-protection features in your programs. For | | | | Hardware Information section of your computer. If you |
| example: if you do not want anyone to access your | | | | are running an older version of USB (i.e. something |
| MS Word document, you can use its | | | | below 2.0), you should check the flash drive's |
| password-protect option to ensure that nobody can | | | | packaging before you buy to ensure compatibility. Most |
| read it without your personal password. You can also | | | | drives will work with older USB versions, but be sure |
| use a zipping utility with its password-protect feature | | | | before you fork over your hard-earned money: some |
| to keep groups of similar files secure, not to mention | | | | stores will not refund or exchange your purchase. |
| easy for you to find. | | | | -The flash drive does not replace your CD burner, but |
| The best line of defense against unwanted viewing or | | | | it will virtually eliminate the need for your floppy drive. |
| use of your data is to keep an eye on your flash drive. | | | | You might still occasionally find software drivers on |
| They are small, which is good for portability reasons. It | | | | floppy disks, but most companies have switched to |
| is bad, especially if the drives are attached to key | | | | CD-ROMs. You should keep the floppy drive around |
| chains or lanyards, because many people have the | | | | as long as it is functional, but do not be surprised if you |
| bad habit of lying them down randomly and forgetting | | | | rarely use it. |
| their locations. To prevent this, find a safe place to | | | | -Read the instructions that come with the flash drive |
| keep your drive, such as in your purse or front pocket, | | | | so that you will know how to care for it. Remember: it |
| and do not put it down until you are in your home. If | | | | is a highly-portable hard drive, so some sort of |
| you are concerned about debris or pocket lint infiltrating | | | | maintenance is required. |