| A flash memory is a solid-state, non-volatile electronic | | | | memory drives are compatible with Windows 98/ME |
| memory device. It is used in a wide range of electronic | | | | 2000/XP, Macintosh, Linux, Unix, and other operating |
| devices such as computers (BIOS chips), MP3 players, | | | | systems, depending upon the kind of drive. However, |
| video game consoles (memory cards), USB flash | | | | Windows needs a separate drive for hosting different |
| drives, mobile phones, and digital cameras (memory | | | | kinds of USB flash memory drives. USB flash memory |
| chips, CompactFlash or SmartMedia). Because of its | | | | can support write-erase cycles only to a certain |
| fast read access time and better shock resistance, | | | | extent, but this can be as high as several million |
| and because it is a low-cost, high-speed, high-density, | | | | cycles.A USB memory drive has a printed circuit board |
| low-power and a highly reliable memory device, it is a | | | | incorporated in a plastic or metal casing. It is linked to |
| very widely used memory storage device. They also | | | | the computer by attaching the connector to the |
| do not need any external power source.USB flash | | | | computer’s USB port or hub. The main parts in a |
| memory is a kind of flash memory with its own | | | | USB drive are a male type-A USB connector |
| memory storage capacity. It is a NAND-based flash | | | | (interface to the host computer), USB mass storage |
| memory that offers up to 8 gigabytes of data storage | | | | controller, a NAND flash memory chip (for storing |
| capacity. A USB flash memory drive is very | | | | data), and a crystal oscillator. It can also have jumpers |
| lightweight, small, and durable, and it can be plugged into | | | | and test pins, a write-protect switch, LEDs, connector |
| any computer that has an USB port. It also does not | | | | cover or cap, and transport aid. |
| have any moving internal parts, which makes it very | | | | Compact Flash Memory provides detailed information |
| portable. USB drives are also referred to as thumb | | | | on Flash Memory, Compact Flash Memory, Flash |
| drives, pen drives, USB keys, or flash drives. Most USB | | | | Memory Cards, USB Flash Memory and more. |