USB Flash Drives

A USB flash drive (commonly known as a USB stick) is a portable storage device that connects to a computer or other device via a USB interface, enabling plug-and-play data storage and transfer. Based on flash memory technology, it contains a printed circuit board and a USB connector. It is compact and lightweight (approximately 20 grams), making it easy to carry.

Technically, USB versions have seen increasing speeds: USB 1.0/1.1 (12Mbps), USB 2.0 (480Mbps), and finally USB 3.0 (5Gbps), the latter of which is backwards compatible. Flash memory types include SLC (high endurance), MLC (balanced performance), and TLC (low cost). The increase in the number of bits per cell impacts performance and endurance.

The advantages of this device lie in its high portability, large capacity (ranging from several GB to several TB), and strong compatibility. It is shock-resistant, moisture-resistant, and magnetically resistant, ensuring data security and reliability. Users can easily use it for file transfer, data backup, sharing, or as an operating system installation medium. It requires no external power supply and is compatible with mainstream operating systems such as Windows and macOS.

Precautions for use include safely removing the device to avoid data corruption and regularly scanning for viruses to ensure the security of sensitive information. With the development of technology, USB flash drives have become an essential tool for hybrid office and daily digital life, continuously driving the miniaturization and high performance of storage devices.