What is a flash drive?

Answer 1

USB flash drives are NAND-type flash memory data storage devices integrated with a USB interface. They are typically small, lightweight, removable and rewritable. Memory capacity typically ranges from 128 megabytes up to 64 gigabytes [1], limited only by current flash memory densities, although cost per megabyte increases rapidly at higher capacities due to the expensive components. For example, as of October 2006, flash drives were available in retail stores at US$25 for 512MiB, US$35 for 1GiB, US$60 for 2GiB, US$100 for 4GiB, and US$160 for 8GiB. [citation needed]

USB flash drives have several advantages over other portable storage devices, particularly the floppy disk. They are more compact, generally faster, hold more data, and are considered more reliable (due to their lack of moving parts) than floppy disks. These types of drives use the USB mass storage standard, supported natively by modern operating systems such as Linux, Mac OS X, and Windows.

A flash drive consists of a small printed circuit board encased in a robust plastic or metal casing, making the drive sturdy enough to be carried about in a pocket, as a keyfob, or on a lanyard. Only the USB connector protrudes from this protection, and is usually covered by a removable cap. Most flash drives use a standard type-A USB connection allowing them to be connected directly to a port on a personal computer.

Most flash drives are active only when powered by a USB computer connection, and require no other external power source or battery power source; they are powered using the limited supply afforded by the USB connection. To access the data stored in a flash drive, the flash drive must be connected to a computer, either by direct connection to the computer's USB port or via a USB hub.

Answer 2

Hi there,

Going step by step, flash is a type of memory, specifically EEPROM (Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). That unlike regular ROM's (Read-Only Memory) recording, could be rewritten for a determined amount of times (usually up to 100,000 or sometimes a little bit more depending on the manufacturer and specs).

A flash drive is a memory device used to store data. You can use this type of storage for data that is not updated very often as its life is determined like described above.

Hope that clears something out.

Answer 3

A flash drive is like a portable mini memory disk. It is also known as Thumb-drive. The flash drive is not a huge storage device but it had a capacity size from the start of 256mb, 512mb, 1gb, 2b. If you will want to know more you can go to this website :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB_flash_drive

Answer 4

A flash drive is somthing you plug into the usb port of your computer. It's extra memory. You can get 128 mb, 512 mb, 1 gb, and 2 gb. They are perfect for putting projects and information on.

Answer 5

that little memory stick you can carry around with you, usually on a key chain. It holds as much as 80+ regular floppy disks. Just plugs into an open USB port and is instant memory.
I use one just for pictures since it has so much space then when someone wants to see my photo album I just pop it in the comp and let the slide show run.
Another has held every paper, syllabus, project, lesson plan etc. for 4 years of college.
Nifty little things cheap too. about $20

Answer 6

I agree that flash drives look a thank you to circulate. I back up all of my documents from the flash force onto my puzzling force. If i want a accessible backup while i'm removed from abode, I the two place a replica of the report in my Yahoo briefcase or digital mail it to myself. That way i will acquire it everywhere there is internet get entry to.

Answer 7

Memory that you generally plug into your usb port. You can get it as large as 4 gigabytes now. It's a great way to move files from computer to computer. It's mostly solid state memory, but there are also tiny 1 inch hard drives that work the same way.

Answer 8

A flash drive is a little better than a floppy disk....it is a little "thing" that u plug into ur computer and it saves all of ur things that u want it too. it can hold more than a floppy disk.

Answer 9

Its also called a thumbdrive or memory stick.
An alternative to CDs and floppies as a form of data storage.
Most computers built after 2000 should have them

Answer 10

It is a handheld storage unit for transporting files.
They range from 128 MB to about 4 GB.