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Useful
Tips and Tricks
We
like to post questions we've heard from our clients when they might benefit you too.
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GETTING DATA FROM ONE PLACE TO ANOTHER
Q:
I need to move a few important files from an older computer to a new computer. The
problem is that the new computer doesn't have a floppy disk drive. What can I do?
A:
There are often several ways to move data from one computer to another, depending
on how the computers are equipped. To answer this question fully, we'd really have
to have a little more information. For now, let's address your need to move a few
of your important files. Let's assume that the new computer is equipped with at least
one USB port since USB is one of today's standard ways to move data in and out of
a computer system.
The
Inside Pocket Trick
INTRODUCING THE USB FLASH DRIVE
If your older computer doesn't have a USB port, the answer gets a little more
complicated. However, if both computers have 
USB
ports, there's an easy solution: Purchase a small device called a USB Disk, sometimes
referred to as a Flash Drive or Flash Disk or USB Drive or Pen Drive or Micro Drive...
I know, it's ridiculous to have so many names refer to the same thing.
In spite of this naming flaw, this is a great little device that comes in handy for
moving data from one computer to another by way of the USB ports. For our purposes
here, we will refer to this as a Flash Drive. The word "flash" refers to
the type of memory chip called "flash memory" or "flash RAM"
that stores the data. Hence the word "drive" doesn't even belong here since
there are no moving parts as a true disk drive would have. The word "disk"
obviously doesn't belong either, but we'll have to move on...
THEY'RE
ALL THE SAME, ONLY DIFFERENT
Flash drives come in many shapes, sizes and colors. Often they are equipped to
hang on a key ring or clip to a shirt pocket. Hence, some manufacturers may refer
to them as "key drives" and sometimes even "pen drives" (don't
even go there). Regardless, don't let the names fool you - they all do the same thing.
They are simply designed to store data so you can copy files to and from them, as
you would with a floppy disk. However, there's a big difference: Flash drives hold
MUCH more data than a floppy disk, which makes sense for today's needs. They also
move data much faster - another big bonus.
While a floppy
disk will hold about 1.4MB of data (enough space for a handful of Word or Excel documents
or one or two small PowerPoint presentations), a 128MB flash drive will store nearly
100 times as much data, making it ideal for storing and moving larger numbers of
documents and will accommodate even the largest PowerPoint presentations.
EASY
TO TOTE, EASY TO USE
To use a flash drive, simply insert it into an available USB port and your computer
should recognize it as if it were a removable disk. Windows XP should automatically
recognize these devices and already have the necessary software drivers installed
for them. Otherwise, it may be necessary to install a driver before you can use them.
This is especially true of Windows 98 and Windows 2000 systems. Macintosh systems
of the past few versions will recognize the flash drives automatically and mount
on the desktop just as a CD or other removable disk would. One of the nice features
of the USB flash drive is its ability to easily transfer data between Windows and
Macintosh computers.
YOU HAVE CHOICES
While all of the available brands and models provide the same basic storage and mobility
functions, there are a few important differences to consider in making your purchase
decision: Speed, capacity and shape.
First, keep
in mind that there are two USB standards in use today, generally referred to as USB
1 and USB 2. There's a big difference in their data transfer speed, with the newer
version 2 being many times faster and thus able to move more files or larger files
in a shorter period of time than the former version. How much faster? About 40 times
faster! The good news is that USB version 2 is backward-compatible with version 1,
meaning that a USB 2 flash drive work just fine in a USB 1 port. The difference is
that, when connected this way, the slower speed of the USB 1 port will determine
the rate of data transfer. So, especially if your need is to move many files or larger
files regularly (like digital photos, MP3s or video), this may make a big difference
to you. Refer to your computer's manual to determine what speed its USB ports are.
|
|
| Speed ratings for USB are in megabits (Mb) per second. Divide by 8 to get Megabytes (MB). |
Of course, the future of technology always leans toward newer versions that are faster
or more capable and the next computer you purchase will most likely have the faster
USB 2 ports. Take a close look at the specifications to determine which USB version
you're buying if speed makes a difference.
Secondly, consider the capacity of the drive.
If you're taking lots of digital photos and want to move them between computers or
often need to move other larger-size files like PowerPoint presentations, MP3 or
video files, definitely look at the larger capacity flash drives. Flash drives in
the 128MB to 256MB range are currently priced (June 2004) from $30 to $80
and should probably be your starting point. Prices for 1 Gigabyte drives have recently
dipped below the $200 mark and new 2GB drives are also available.
Finally, consider the shape of the device. Some flash
drives may look very stylish and cool but due to their size or shape they may cause
problems. For example, some of the more rounded designs such as the Lexar (pictured
at left) or the Cyclone (above right) may not allow ample space for another device
to use an adjacent USB port on your computer. All other things being equal, go with
the thinner, sleeker device. The SanDisk (pictured with the dime, top of page) and PNY (red
sleeve, lower right) models shown on this page are among the thinnest and sit happily
side-by-side with other USB plugs.
IS THAT YOUR FINAL
DECISION?
Whether your need is to move a few files from an older computer to a new computer
or you'd just like the convenience and utility of being able to shuttle files with
you from your home computer to your work computer or an associate's, most users find
the flash drive a reasonably priced and simple solution. Prices are falling daily,
meaning that you will get more capacity per dollar as time goes on. If you can use
it today, however, it's best to buy it now. You'll immediately realize its value
as you discover the ease and convenience of your flash drive.
Products
featured in this article:
SanDisk SDCZ2 256 MB Cruzer
Mini USB 2.0 Flash Drive
Lexar Sport JDSP USB 2.0
256 MB USB Flash Drive
Iomega 32548 128 MB USB Mini
Drive
Lexar PD 128 MB JumpDrive
Portable USB Flash Drive
Sony 64 MB USB 2.0 Micro
Vault
PNY P-FD26U20-RF 256MB USB
2.0 Flash Drive
CD Cyclone 256 MB Flash Key USB Pen Drive
FOCUS Digital Solutions can help with this solution and other data storage and
transfer solutions. Contact
us
to learn more.
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