[USB Flash Drives - Tips, Usage and OS Compatibility]

The plug and play universal serial bus (USB) flash memory drives are rapidly gaining in popularity - they are also called USB Flash Disk, Thumb Drive, Pen Drive, Memory Key, Micro Vault, Pocket Drive, KeyChain, Pico Drive, etc. Flash Drives are an ideal alternative to floppy disks or CDs for easy, compact, fast and reliable data transfer. Higher capacity units (e.g. over 256 MB) can offer a more convenient way of carrying files than on a CD. Nearly every new computer sold in recent years has several USB ports (sockets). The USB Flash Drive simply plugs into one of these ports (previously found on the back but now increasingly common also on the front). No cables, power supplies, or batteries are required. No need to shut down your computer. Current USB Flash Drives are truly 'plug and play' on Windows XP and Mac OS X - no additional software is required - the device automatically becomes visible as a new drive (if not showing as a drive see the instructions below for help to fix this problem) and users can unplug at any time (even though OS X may give an error message unless EJECT is selected first). However users on Windows 2000, Mac OS 9 or earlier systems should only unplug after a request to the system. Earlier systems (e.g. Win 98) usually also require installation of driver software before the USB flash drive can be used on that computer.

Specifications:
- lightweight (usually less than 20 grams)
- small ~ 80 mm long x 20 mm wide x 10 mm thick (similar in size to a human thumb - they fit in a shirt pocket, on a key ring, ...)
- plug directly into any standard USB port (including low powered USB ports)
- automatic recognition on modern operating systems (no drivers required for Windows 2000/XP or Mac OS 9/X, need to install drivers from CD or download drivers from web for earlier OS)
- currently range in storage capacity from 8 MB to 4 GB
- typical USB 1.1 read speeds 1-10 Mbps, write speeds 0.5-2 Mbps (USB 2.0 ~ 10 x faster)
- use power from USB bus (no external power or batteries required)
- ideal for transferring files between laptop or desktop computers
- shock resistant solid state device (no moving parts - only silicon chips)
- usually preformatted in FAT format for cross-platform capability (but slower speeds)
- draw very low power

Options:
- USB extension cable (allows easy access to USB ports on rear of PC or USB ports that are crowded by other plugs or the computer casing)
- pocket clip, attachment cord for wearing around neck, key ring or belt loop clip
- USB 2.0 versions (these may indicate error messages on computers with older USB 1 ports but will often still work)
- docking stations
- security (e.g. password protection feature for file access, encryption)
- support multiple partitions
- LED indicator when in use
- write-protect switch
- bootable versions (when the appropriate OS is installed)
- Flash Drives that support plug in Memory Stick (e.g. Sony Micro Vault) or xD Picture Cards
- companion MP3 players (e.g. SanDisk Cruzer Micro MP3 Companion)

Buying Tips :
- ensure that the device is robust
- check that the attachment point is on the main body rather than the lid (the plug can become damaged if not protected so desirable if lid and body are linked to avoid loss)
- verify the number of multiple erase cycles (typically 1 million times)
- verify data retention time (typically 10 years)
- choose a device that fits the clearance available around the USB ports on your PCs (the ports are often in pairs with limited space or crowded with many leads - some USB Flash Drives are more bulky than others and will not fit without a USB extension lead)

Management Issues :
*a strategy is required for virus checking
*the small flash drives are easy to misplace or leave behind - consider key ring models, straps or other strategies (difficult to write the owners name on such a small item, left loose in a pocket they can fall out when a student bends over, they can also easily end up in the dirty clothes basket followed by the washing machine)
* consider avoiding security options for protection of data (no need to assist with forgotten passwords)
* greater transfer speeds can be obtained if you format the drive to a single platform (but it then may not show up on other platforms)
* ID marking may be required to reduce the risk of theft (laser engraving is one option with a low risk of damage as there is no physical contact with the flash drive)
*the USB Drive will normally appear automatically as a new drive - however on Windows computers with many existing drive or network mappings it may not show automatically - to fix this right click on My Computer, choose Manage, wait, choose Disk Management - the removable drive will typically be visible below any hard drives (e.g. C) and CD/DVD drives (e.g. D), click on the removable drive, choose Change Drive Letter or Paths..., select Change, choose a new unused drive letter (e.g. X) and confirm - your files will then appear automatically. If still not visible other possible reasons could include Service Pack 2 support for write protection of external drives (may require changes to StorageDevicePolicies), the drive may be hidden (check if NoDrives value exists in registry or download software such as TweakUI to make hidden drives visible again) or a user profile problem (e.g. corrupt ntuser.dat file - do not rebuild until after you have backed up data from individual folders such as Local Settings, Favorites, My Documents, etc).
* computer systems that are 'locked down' so that users can not modify settings may not identify particular USB flash drives (there is some variation between models despite attempts at standards) - it may be necessary to reserve a particular drive letter (I generally use X, Y or Z as many people already have A-G mapped) or to allow students sufficient privileges to configure the flash drive for file access - alternatively a bulk purchase arrangement or inclusion of flash drives on user booklists may help limit the number of different models
* flash drives may make it easier for users to plagiarize work
* for data use wait until the computer is operating before inserting the flash drive in the USB port (during start up the computer may 'hang' if attempting to boot from a flash drive that does not support this option)