A flash drive is a pocket-sized way to move files between computers. The main questions are how much it must hold, which connector your devices use, and how rough the life of the drive will be.
Think about what you will carry
Text documents take little room, while photos, video and software installers take much more. Decide whether the drive is for quick transfers or for holding a set of files long term. Small drives are easy to lose, so a lanyard hole or a key ring loop can be a useful detail.
Match the connector
Look at the ports on every device you plan to use. Many laptops have only small oval ports, while older desk computers have the larger rectangular type. Some drives carry two connectors, one at each end, to cover both.
- Rectangular plug: common on desk computers and older laptops.
- Small oval plug: common on newer laptops, tablets and phones.
- Dual-ended drives: handy when you move between both kinds.
An adapter can bridge the gap, but it is one more small part to lose.
Casing and handling
| Casing | Strength | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic with cap | Light and simple | Cap can go missing |
| Sliding plug | No cap to lose | Moving part can wear |
| Metal body | Sturdy feel | Can feel bulky on a port next to others |
File format and sharing
A drive formatted for one kind of computer may not be readable on another, or may limit the size of a single file. If you move large files between different systems, check the format the maker supplies and whether you can change it. Changing the format erases the files, so copy them off first.
Everyday habits that protect your files
- Label the drive, or keep a short note of what is on it, so you do not have to plug in several to find one file.
- Avoid leaving it in a port that is knocked often, such as one on the side of a laptop you carry around.
- Keep it away from heat, damp and strong magnets.
- Do not plug an unknown drive that someone hands you into a computer holding important work.
- Copy files to the computer to edit them, rather than working directly from the drive.
If the drive begins to act oddly, such as disappearing from the list or showing errors, copy what you can to another place right away and stop relying on it.
FAQ
Can I rely on a flash drive for my only copy?
It is better not to. Small drives are easy to lose or damage. Keep another copy of anything that matters.
Why does my computer ask me to eject it?
Ejecting finishes any writing in progress. Pulling the drive out too soon can leave files damaged.
The Short Version
Decide what you will carry, match the plug to your devices, choose a casing that survives your daily routine, and check the file format before moving large files.