Proper Care of a Flash Drive

Flash drives need care to keep protecting the data they store.

USB flash drives, also called pen drives, jump drives and pocket drives, allow you to store and transport data in a small device. They hold anywhere from 32 megabytes to 8 gigabytes. Recently, they have replaced floppy disks and compact disks as storage devices because they are nearly indestructible and much smaller. To keep these devices working and your information safe, you must know how to care for them properly.

Things You'll Need

• Label
• Key chain or lanyard
• Protective cap

Instructions

1. Name your flash drive so someone can trace it back to you if you leave it behind. To do so, plug the drive into your computer, right-click on the drive and click "Rename." Place a label on the outside of the flash drive as well.

2. Secure the drive on a key chain or lanyard if you have trouble with losing things. This will make it easier to see and easier to remember if you tend to forget. Make sure the protective cap is always on the drive when not in use.

3. Plug the flash drive into the USB port correctly. It will only enter the port one way. If you try to force it, you may break the computer or the drive.

4. Eject the drive properly. On a PC, right-click the "Safely Remove Hardware" icon at the bottom of your screen and click to eject the drive. On a Macintosh computer, simply drag the icon into the trash can to eject.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the flash drive away from excessive heat and liquids.

References

• St. Edward's University: Technical Acquisitions
• Hampshire College: Flash Drives--Use, Care and Tips
• City College of San Francisco: Using Flash Drives at CCSF