The technology behind flash drives, jump drives, and the like are everywhere and we don't even realize it.
Flash was developed in Japan in 1980 and it is used in everything now from pocket memory to cell phones (Apple itself buys 13% of the available flash memory out there on the market.)
As more and more computer manufacturers do away with hard drives, flash will be even more popular as a storage device. Flash doesn't have the limitations of mechanical memory, like hard drives, which can fail because of mechanical failure. (Actually, it's kind of funny that we still refer to it as a "drive" since no moving parts like a hard drive...)
It was called "flash" because erasing it reminded a coworker of the inventor of a camera flash.
The biggest so far is a 256 GB flash drive.
Several great things that flash can do that other memory options don't....
1. Long life cycle
Although cycles of erase and record cycles are limited, at last count the industry standard is 10,000, so no real practical limitation at all.
2. Can dunk it in water
Flash is very robust and can stand tremendous pressures and temperatures, as well.
3. It's electronic
Because it is also "non-volatile" it doesn't require any power to hold the memory in place. Once you unplug flash, your data is just as safe as when it is plugged in to your computer. The USB versions of flash get all the power they need via the USB connection.
A couple of things can go wrong with it though....
* Bad spot on the drive itself - can happen more and more over time
* Firmware problems Although, most of these drives don't need a driver per se.
* Broken connection - since you tend to carry them in your pocket, they can get bent
The problem with using flash as a backup for your computer's hard drive is not the reliability of the media for storing data. Rather, it is the fact that it is easy to lose or get stolen.
Another problem is flash recorded data isn't encrypted so if anyone finds your lost jump there's nothing keeping them from seeing everything on the thing. However, there are free programs online that can encrypt for you.
Therefore, if is used as a backup storage device, it must be kept remotely.
For example, you could save to the flash and then keep the device at your office.
This requires some discipline though and the fact that the little suckers are so easy to lose makes it difficult to justify as a total solution for backup storage.
It is a great idea to backup your data with a flash drive but add online backup storage to make sure a lost or damaged jump doesn't ruin your day.
About this Author
Roger G. Brown is data backup and security expert. He has significant experience in helping individuals and small businesses make cost-effective decisions about data backup and storage. If you want to learn how to avoid losing your data, check out Roger's website at http://www.onlinebackupstoragereviews.com.
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