A flash drive is an innovative way of storing and transporting data. These storage devices come in a variety of prices, sizes, and storage capacities. Selecting a flash drive that is right for you can seem overwhelming at first, but here are some helpful ideas to assist you in your purchasing decision.
The first thing to consider is theshape or form of your flash drive. You should search for one that suits your personal tastes and is durable as well. Your flash drive should withstand the normal wear and tear that is expected. In addition, you should make sure that the most valuable and fragile component, the USB interface, is protected. A sturdy and reliable cap should cover it. Some models have a swivel cap so that it cannot be lost, while others provide spare caps as backups.
You should also look for flash drives that offerextrasthat may make it easier to carry and less likely to lose. For example, look for a drive that comes with an extension cable or lanyard. Other drives may have a small string or key chain for added convenience.
Also pay close attention to theshapeof the flash drive. There are many unique and stylish shapes available, but your priority should be that the drive would fit into the port that you plan on using. Flash drives that are long, narrow, and rectangular will fit the widest variety of ports.
The next factor that you should consider when buying a flash drive is thestorage capacity. Flash drives are typically available in capacities ranging from 32 megabytes to 4 gigabytes. Before buying a flash drive you should examine your current and future storage needs.
A general rule of thumb is to buy more storage capacity than you think you will need and that your budget will allow. This is because you will never be disappointed with having extra space, but it can be extremely frustrating to run out of storage room when you need it most.
You should also make sure that the flash drive that you select is compatible with your computer. This means you should find out whether your computer has a USB 1.1 or a USB 2.0 port. Typically a USB 1.1 port is slightly slower that the 2.0 port. In addition, USB 2.0 drives can often be used with 1.1 ports. However, for best results you should use aUSB 2.0 drive with a USB 2.0 port.
You also should make sure that the flash drive is compatible with your computer’s operating system. Likewise, you should find out whether you will need a driver to support it.
Another factor to consider when looking for the right flash drive for your needs isdata protection. Look for drives that have a write protect switch to prevent the accidental erasure of your digital content. In addition, if security is a concern for you look for a drive that can be password protected.
You should also find out whether the flash drive you are considering buying comes with software or whether you will be required to download it. Downloading the software will offer the advantage of ensuring your drive always has the most recent update. In addition, downloading the software will allow you to access what you need without taking up valuable space on the flash drive itself.
Buying a flash drive may seem a bit confusing if you’ve never done it before; however, these simple tips should make the process a bit simpler. Currently, the price of these drives is continuously dropping, the size is shrinking and the storage capacity is growing, making it a great time to make your purchase.