Flash drives are handy solid state (no moving parts) personal devices that provide wide storage capacity. They are also known as thumb drives, key drives, jump drives, memory card drives (camera cards) and pen drives. These drives are connected to the USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports before use. Flash drives offer storage capacity ranging from 32 MB to 16 GB. Here’s how to use a flash drive to store data.

Storing Files on a PC to a flash drive

1. Determine the exact amount of data storage needed. You can find this by hovering over the folder or files and viewing the box that appears. This will help you determine the size of flash drive you need

2. Note that a majority of flash drives are plug-n-play on the latest PC operating systems. Plug the flash drive in the USB port of your CPU. Wait until the system detects the drive

3. Go to My Computer. Locate the flash drive icon and click on it. Doing so will show the contents of the drive. Alternately, create a desktop shortcut to the flash drive by right clicking the flash drive icon in My Computer and selecting Create Shortcut.

4. Open the location of the files/folders you wish to transfer to the flash drive. Copy or drag the files you wish to store on the flash drive, its icon in My Computer or the desktop shortcut.

5. Look for the plus sign (+) on the flash drive icon if you are transferring files without opening the drive or its folders. Release the mouse as soon as the plus sign (+) appears. This signifies that the data is now copied to your flash drive.

6. Verify that the data/file is stored by double-clicking the file name in the flash drive explorer window.

7. Ensure that you do not immediately disconnect the drive from the machine after you have finished storing the files, as it may corrupt the data.

8. Go to the Safely Remove Hardware icon situated in the Windows notification tray. Click Remove the Hardware Safely option when finished.

9. Wait until the It is now safe to remove the hardware message appears. Alternately, wait until you have closed down the computer before removing the flash drive.

10. Unplug the flash drive from the USB port, as the files/folders have been properly stored.

Tips, Comments & Warnings

    * Create a new folder in your flash drive and give it a name, such as “Stored Files” or “Backups.” This will prevent the files from being edited without notice

    * When in use, the flash drive shows a coloured light. Before unplugging, make sure the light is off

    * Use a USB extension cable to plug in the flash drive if you are unable to easily access the USB port on the computer

    * You may get comment when plugging in your flash drive that the drive will perform better if plugged in to a USB 2.0 port. This means you have a high speed USB 2.0 drive but only a USB 1.1 drive. Only relatively new computers have a USB 2.0 connection
    * A 1 GB flash drive holds just over 700 floppies or 1.5 CDs
    * Virus check your flash drive (if you have an anti-virus programme) by right clicking the flash drive and selecting the Scan icon related to your antivirus programme. You should do this on insertion of the flash drive and again before removing
    * You can name your flash drive by right clicking on the drive icon and selecting Rename. This is useful where you lose or leave your drive in someone else’s machine
    * Leave a text file with your contact details on the flash drive. Start the file name with ! e.g. !owner details.txt as this can allow return of a lost drive
    * You can transfer a file to your flash drive by right clicking the file and selecting Send To: and selecting the flash drive as the destination
    * A freeware security programme Cryptainer LE can be downloaded from cypherix.com/downloads.htm (the file is on this CD). It allows you to password protect file and folders on your flash drive
    * Flash drives are compatible between a PC and a Mac computer
    * If your USB connection is hard to reach purchase a USB extension cable.
    * A brightly coloured neck strap connected to your flash drive helps you to recognise the drive and minimises the chance of leaving it behind. Some people have their flash drive on their key ring this helps you to remember where you left your drive when you find you have left your car keys plugged into someone else’s computer!
    * Caps on flash drives are easily lost. Paint a drop of e.g. bright coloured nail varnish on the cap. Also you can drill a small hole in the cap and connect to the drive with a fine cord. Better still but a swivel drive

    * Flash drives prices are roughly $10 per GB (four years ago they could be $200 per 256 MB). Check prices at www.pricespy.co.nz for the best deal

· If you are a traveller which is the most vital and important toy to take with you. Your laptop? DVD cam? Digital Camera? Smart Phone? It is actually your flash drive. You can carry an inexpensive password encrypted flash drive with you at all times. When you travel, your flash drive can contain scanned images of your passport, drivers license, medical insurance card, travellers cheques, credit cards (both sides), and of course flight and lodging information. When you check in somewhere, your flash drive can be hidden in your belongings or locked in a safe upon arrival. It is your ultimate backup for everything. The information that it contains is absolutely priceless when you most need it. You can also store some photos and video from home, just in case something happens when away. You then have a current inventory of belongings. You will appreciate this if you ever have to deal with an insurance company. Another handy feature is a current list of phone numbers. This may sound a bit too simple but if you own a cell phone as most people do, most people program numbers in and never actually dial them anymore. If your phone was lost or stolen, how many numbers do you remember? These are just a few things that you may want to think about for using your flash drive

· Your flash drive is useful for storing you wab (Windows Address Book) file

· Many programmes are now described as ‘portable applications.’ These are usually ‘cut down’ versions of standard programmes. Many of them do not load into your machines registry. The cover a wide range of applications that can be transferred from your flash drive to any PC on which you want to work. A large collection is at http://www.portablefreeware.com/all.php and includes user comments.