| Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a storage device and is | | | | from megabytes (MB) to gigabytes (GB). Light, small |
| variously called a USB flash drive (UFD). Technically, | | | | and tough, these flash drives are the perfect |
| the industry refers to these devices as UFDs, though | | | | compliment for any computer user. |
| consumers are mostly unfamiliar with the acronym, | | | | There are quite a lot of USB Flash Drives out there |
| more often using terms like memory stick, thumb drive, | | | | having unlikely shapes and characteristics. |
| or flash drive. They are little storage units that have | | | | Multi-functional flash drives seem to get the most |
| been fast replacing floppy disks and CD storage. | | | | attention because they don't only serve as portable |
| Lexar USB drives are small, portable device about the | | | | memory storage devices; they also come in a variety |
| size of a BIC lighter or package of gum. The body is | | | | of hybrid features. Examples of flash drives that |
| an encased circuit board with a memory chip, with one | | | | combine data storage with functionality are mp3 |
| end featuring an integrated USB connector. This | | | | players, digital cameras, key chains, writing pens, and |
| connector can slide into a USB port on nearly any | | | | other company promotional items. |
| computer, making the device ideal for quickly | | | | Many newer motherboards have the option in the |
| transferring data or programs. USB ports support "plug | | | | BIOS settings to boot from a USB drive. Some flavors |
| and play" functionality so that a computer does not | | | | of popular operating systems, including a scaled down |
| have to reboot to recognize the device or to | | | | version of Linux, are designed to work on the USB or |
| disconnect from it. Modern operating systems also | | | | UFD. Creating a live drive can be a great way to test |
| have built-in support for memory sticks, negating the | | | | out a new operating system without installing it on the |
| need to load device drivers. | | | | computer’s internal hard drive. |
| Lexar USB drive has no moving parts and requires | | | | Whether backing up data files, archiving programs, or |
| very little power. Nearly impervious to casual abuse, | | | | building a portable music library, the Lexar USB drive is |
| the UFD has replaced the less robust floppy drive and | | | | a great investment with a humble price tag. UFDs are |
| a handful of other storage, transfer or backup devices. | | | | sold everywhere electronics are sold. |
| Memory storage varies according to model, ranging | | | | |