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Redirected from: USB memory
Definition: USB drive
(1) An external storage or optical disc drive that plugs into the USB port. See portable hard drive.
(2) A small solid state storage module that plugs into the computer's USB port. Emerging just before the turn of the century, the USB drive comprises one or more flash memory chips that store up to two terabytes (2TB) of data. Initially holding only eight megabytes, the ever-increasing capacities of USB drives, along with their convenient portability, rendered writable CDs and DVDs obsolete. See flash memory.
Backup, Data Transfer and Bootable
USB drives are used for auxiliary storage and backup as well as data transfer between computers. They can also hold an operating system and be used to boot the computer (see bootable disk). See sneakernet.
Windows and Mac Compatible
USB drives are generally formatted to be compatible between Windows and Mac computers. The FAT and exFAT file formats provide this compatibility (see FAT32 and exFAT).
Known By Many Names
Debuting at the turn of the century, a USB drive is commonly called a "flash drive" as well as many other monikers. Any combination of the words "USB," "flash," "key," "drive," "jump" and "stick" are used (see USB drive names).
Transfer Speed
Drive transfer speed ranges from megabytes to gigabytes per second (Mbps, Gbps). However, speed is often not advertised because USB drives are mostly used for backup and data transfer, not routine processing where speed may be an issue. When USB drives first arrived, vendors used CD-ROM ratings whereby each "x" equaled 150KB per second. For example, a 90x drive meant 13.5MB/sec (90 x 150KB). See CD-ROM drives and solid state.
Long-Term Marketing Mileage
No Bigger Than the Plug
Steampunk Drives
Fun and to the Point
One Terabyte USB Drive
(2) A small solid state storage module that plugs into the computer's USB port. Emerging just before the turn of the century, the USB drive comprises one or more flash memory chips that store up to two terabytes (2TB) of data. Initially holding only eight megabytes, the ever-increasing capacities of USB drives, along with their convenient portability, rendered writable CDs and DVDs obsolete. See flash memory.
Backup, Data Transfer and Bootable
USB drives are used for auxiliary storage and backup as well as data transfer between computers. They can also hold an operating system and be used to boot the computer (see bootable disk). See sneakernet.
Windows and Mac Compatible
USB drives are generally formatted to be compatible between Windows and Mac computers. The FAT and exFAT file formats provide this compatibility (see FAT32 and exFAT).
Known By Many Names
Debuting at the turn of the century, a USB drive is commonly called a "flash drive" as well as many other monikers. Any combination of the words "USB," "flash," "key," "drive," "jump" and "stick" are used (see USB drive names).
Transfer Speed
Drive transfer speed ranges from megabytes to gigabytes per second (Mbps, Gbps). However, speed is often not advertised because USB drives are mostly used for backup and data transfer, not routine processing where speed may be an issue. When USB drives first arrived, vendors used CD-ROM ratings whereby each "x" equaled 150KB per second. For example, a 90x drive meant 13.5MB/sec (90 x 150KB). See CD-ROM drives and solid state.
USB drives are widely used for disseminating marketing information and are pre-loaded with promotional material. Printed with logos on the outside of the case, people often keep the drives for backup after erasing the vendor's files.
In 2010, Verbatim launched its Tuff-"N"-Tiny line, only two millimeters thick. Although the contacts are exposed (top left), the units are water and dust proof.
A 19th century USB drive... of course. These drive cases are hand crafted. See steampunk. (Image courtesy of WillRockwell on Etsy.)
Bevy makes devices that hold a user's photo collection, and this rather appropriate USB drive holds its promotional material.
In 2013, Kingston Technology introduced the first 1TB drive, which increased to 2TB in 2017. Imagine telling someone in 1997 when floppy disks were still used that in 20 years, a handheld device would hold the equivalent of one and a half million of them.