| The technology behind flash drives, jump drives, and | | | | to your computer. The USB versions of flash get all |
| the like are everywhere and we don't even realize it. | | | | the power they need via the USB connection. |
| Flash was developed in Japan in 1980 and it is used in | | | | A couple of things can go wrong with it though.... |
| everything now from pocket memory to cell phones | | | | * Bad spot on the drive itself - can happen more and |
| (Apple itself buys 13% of the available flash memory | | | | more over time |
| out there on the market.) | | | | * Firmware problems Although, most of these drives |
| As more and more computer manufacturers do away | | | | don't need a driver per se. |
| with hard drives, flash will be even more popular as a | | | | * Broken connection - since you tend to carry them in |
| storage device. Flash doesn't have the limitations of | | | | your pocket, they can get bent |
| mechanical memory, like hard drives, which can fail | | | | The problem with using flash as a backup for your |
| because of mechanical failure. (Actually, it's kind of | | | | computer's hard drive is not the reliability of the media |
| funny that we still refer to it as a "drive" since no | | | | for storing data. Rather, it is the fact that it is easy to |
| moving parts like a hard drive...) | | | | lose or get stolen. |
| It was called "flash" because erasing it reminded a | | | | Another problem is flash recorded data isn't encrypted |
| coworker of the inventor of a camera flash. | | | | so if anyone finds your lost jump there's nothing |
| The biggest so far is a 256 GB flash drive. | | | | keeping them from seeing everything on the thing. |
| Several great things that flash can do that other | | | | However, there are free programs online that can |
| memory options don't.... | | | | encrypt for you. |
| 1. Long life cycle | | | | Therefore, if is used as a backup storage device, it |
| Although cycles of erase and record cycles are limited, | | | | must be kept remotely. |
| at last count the industry standard is 10,000, so no real | | | | For example, you could save to the flash and then |
| practical limitation at all. | | | | keep the device at your office. |
| 2. Can dunk it in water | | | | This requires some discipline though and the fact that |
| Flash is very robust and can stand tremendous | | | | the little suckers are so easy to lose makes it difficult |
| pressures and temperatures, as well. | | | | to justify as a total solution for backup storage. |
| 3. It's electronic | | | | It is a great idea to backup your data with a flash drive |
| Because it is also "non-volatile" it doesn't require any | | | | but add online backup storage to make sure a lost or |
| power to hold the memory in place. Once you unplug | | | | damaged jump doesn't ruin your day. |
| flash, your data is just as safe as when it is plugged in | | | | |