USB sticks

USB sticks - Various USB sticks at vim-flash.com

USB sticks are external memory media whose data is stored on a flash memory. The name explains itself through the interface of the memory sticks to the computer. USB sticks are directly inserted into the USB port of the computer by the user. Alternative common terms are USB memory sticks or USB cards. USB sticks can be used as platform independent memory and are suitable for the quick transfer of manageable amounts of data between various computers. USB sticks can also be used well to source out important data from the hard drive of a computer to a safe location.

Flash memory in USB sticks

The durability of the flash memory built into USB sticks is indicated with approximately ten years by the manufacturers. Therefore, USB sticks are not intended for long-term data back-up. USB sticks have been on the market since the turn of the millennium. The memory capacity of the flash memory was updated every year. The first USB sticks were only capable of storing approximately 1 MB of data, today, memory sticks secure data amounts of over 100 GB. The appearance of the USB sticks is manufacturer-specific. Normally, it is a matter of an approximately 6 -7 cm long and a good 5 mm thick little stick, the USB connector is located on the head which is secured with a protective cap for transport and during storage.

USB-Sticks heute

The writing/reading rate during data transfer between the computer and the stick can amount to up to 30 MBs nowadays. Currently, USB sticks are being offered by many manufacturers at low prices