USB flash drives are inexpensive devices perfect for storage or transferring files between computers. These portable, compact self-powered gadgets connect to USB ports and are compatible with both PC and Mac products. Often referred to as flash drives, thumb drives, key drives, jump drives, or pen drives, USB flash drives are useful to have around when you need your most important files to be easily accessible. Read on to learn more about what you can store on a USB flash drive.
What’s a USB Flash Drive, Anyway?
USB flash drives are made of a small circuit board protected by rubber or metal casing and are integrated with a universal serial bus (USB) connector. These rewritable drives are small enough to be stored in pockets and on keychains for ultimate portability.
What Files Can I Store on a USB Flash Drive?
Because a USB drive can hold several gigabytes of data, they provide on-the-go-access during business meetings, classes, and other occasions that could require you pulling up your files at a moment’s notice. USB flash drives store all types of data, including photo, video, music, and office files. Here’s an overview of all the file types you can store:
- Photo files: JPG, TIF, PNG, and GIF.
- Video files: .MPG, .MOV, .WMV, and. RM.
- Music files: MP3, AAC, WMA, FLAC, ALAC, WAV, and PCM.
- Office files: DOC, DOCX, TXT, PDF, RTF, and XLS.
Important to Remember:
Be sure to encrypt any sensitive information on your USB flash drive in order to protect your personal data.
Though durable, most USB flash drives are made up of a circuit board with a soldered-on metal tip. The soldering is a stress point that can make a USB flash drive vulnerable to snapping in two or circuit board damage as a result of being bumped into repeatedly. Look for a USB flash drive made up of one piece of metal casing or go for a more discreetly designed drive that doesn’t protrude from your computer.
Need Answers in a Flash?
Call us with any questions about storing your files on a USB drive. Here at Disc Hounds, we’re happy to help you transfer your memories so we can preserve them forever!