What Is a USB Flash Drive Pen Drive?
A USB flash drive / pen drive is a commonly used device which allows you to move documents and other data files between computers. The drives are compact and portable. They are small enough to be carried in a pencil case or on a key ring.
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Background
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In the early days of personal computers, data was commonly moved between different computers using floppy disks. Developments in USB and memory technology led to USB flash / pen drives becoming more widely used.
USB flash drives use "solid state" memory without moving parts, making the drives sturdy and durable.
Capabilities
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USB flash drives are available in a wide range of capacities, some storing an equivalent amount of information as thousands of floppy disks.
You can purchase flash drives with advanced features, such as automated backups, and encryption to prevent unauthorized access to your files.
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Alternatives
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USB hard disk drives are also available and are often able to store far more information that USB flash / pen devices, albeit without such a level of portability.
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References
- Photo Credit usb stick memory image by dinostock from Fotolia.com