USB Flash drives are portable memory devices, which are used to transport data between computers. These drives are used by attaching them to a USB port on the computer. Data is read and written to the memory on the  drive by an on board controller. The flash memory device appears as another drive on your computer, so all of the instructions you normally use to; move, copy, drag and drop, and delete data, can be used.

The drive is about the size of a pack of chewing gum, and weighs about 4 or 5 ounces. It does not have an on board power supply, but, draws its power from the USB port which it's connected to. Many people carry them in their pocket or purse, while some carry them around their neck.

You don't have to worry about some stranger accessing your files if you lose your flash memory, as most drives allow for password protection, and some even offer file encryption. The data in memory is protected from heat and humidity while carrying the drive in your pocket. Also, the unit can be shaken or dropped without any memory loss.

These devices come in sizes up to 64 gigabytes, and bigger drives are coming. The most popular flash drives are in the 1 to 8 gigabyte sizes.

In order to better bring this information into focus, review the flash drives at your favorite online computer store. You will find hundreds of devices with varied features that will satisfy your needs.

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