USB flash drive

From WikiMD.com Medical Encyclopedia

USB Flash Drive[edit | edit source]

A USB flash drive is a data storage device that includes flash memory with an integrated USB interface. It is typically removable, rewritable, and much smaller than an optical disc. Most weigh less than 30 grams (1 oz). Since their invention in the late 1990s, as of 2023, USB flash drives have largely replaced floppy disks and CDs for data storage and transfer.

USB flash drives are often used for the same purposes for which floppy disks or CDs were used, i.e., for storage, data back-up, and transfer of computer files. They are smaller, faster, have thousands of times more capacity, and are more durable and reliable because they have no moving parts.

History[edit | edit source]

The first USB flash drive was developed in 1998 by IBM, which sold it under the name "DiskOnKey". The device was manufactured by M-Systems, a company based in Israel. The first commercial USB flash drive was released in 2000 by Trek Technology and IBM, with a storage capacity of 8 MB.

Design and Functionality[edit | edit source]

USB flash drives consist of a small printed circuit board carrying the circuit elements and a USB connector, insulated electrically and protected inside a plastic, metal, or rubberized case. The drive is connected to the computer via the USB port, and it is powered by the computer's USB interface.

Storage Capacity[edit | edit source]

The storage capacity of USB flash drives has increased significantly over the years. Early models offered storage capacities of 8 MB, while modern drives can store up to 2 TB of data.

Speed[edit | edit source]

The speed of USB flash drives is determined by the USB version they support. USB 1.0 and 1.1 are the slowest, while USB 2.0 offers faster data transfer rates. USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 provide even higher speeds, with USB 3.1 offering up to 10 Gbps.

Uses[edit | edit source]

USB flash drives are used for:

  • Data storage and transfer
  • System administration
  • Application carriers
  • Booting operating systems

Security[edit | edit source]

Some USB flash drives offer encryption and password protection to secure data. This is particularly important for drives that store sensitive information.

Related Pages[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  • "USB Flash Drive." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, last visited October 2023.
  • "History of USB Flash Drives." Techopedia. Accessed October 2023.

Gallery[edit | edit source]

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  • USB flash drive

  • USB flash drive

  • USB flash drive

  • USB flash drive

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD