ComputersEquipment

What is a USB flash drive?

Without memory devices based on flash memory, better known as flash drives, with the current level of development of computer technology it would be quite difficult to do. The field of use of flash drives is so huge that sometimes it is impossible even to assume that a certain module has a flash memory module installed . Advantages of flash drives are obvious:

- low cost. Particularly relevant for low-speed models. The price of the 4GB version fell below $ 5;

- Light weight and dimensions. This is one of the decisive factors that ensured the mass distribution of USB flash drives. Indeed, it is enough to compare the sizes of old video cameras, audio players, cameras with modern analogs to understand - in the world of mobile and digital devices, a real revolution took place;

- the speed of flash drives with each new generation increases. In computer technology, flash technology for performance already now competes with classic hard disks based on magnetic recording;

- low level of energy consumption.

In fact, flash drives perform the same functions that were assigned to cassettes and rewritable discs. Unfortunately, with the advent of flash drives, the issue of preserving confidential information has become very important. If you still have to lose the disk, then a small USB flash drive can slip out of the pocket.

Realizing the danger, manufacturers began to actively supply flash drives with write protection. It would seem that the problem is solved, but, alas ... probably, the confrontation of the sword and shield is eternal. To understand how to protect the USB flash drive from the record, you should familiarize yourself with the principles of the protection mechanisms. There are a lot of them, but there are only a few solutions at the core.

A flash drive with write protection may look different from its counterparts, but without such protection. Remember floppy disks? Those same, flexible magnetic disks, which kink is not recommended. First five, and then three-inch. To protect them from writing, a special window was used in them, and the record was closed, and it was forbidden to close it, and when it was opened it was authorized. Here, indeed, indeed, the continuity of technology: in flash drives the same principle is used, though, slightly modified. On the flash memory cards on the side there is a special lever, moving it to the Lock position, you can see what is actually a flash drive with write protection. When it is connected, the lever closes the contacts and writing to such memory is impossible. Interestingly, the lock is performed at the software level, and the closing contacts perform only a signal function. Some computer USB flash drives come with a similar lever (firm Qumo), but their range is limited, because the mechanic has the property to wear out, and in production they are more expensive. In them the principle of blocking is different - more reliable.

However, the demand for such products does not decrease. Therefore, in place of hardware protection software solutions are offered. Almost on each flash drive for promotional purposes is indicated - a flash drive with write protection. As a rule, there is a small encryption program on it, with which you can set a password for access to the USB flash drive. Miracles from such a program should not wait, but it is better to replace it with a similar application. A good example is BitLocker and its version for flash memory (to go). Only when choosing a program should note that such a USB flash drive can not be detected (read, seen) in some operating systems, so you need to select the cipherer thoughtfully.

It is possible to do easier and use the built-in Windows feature on NTFS partitions - restriction of access rights. File (folder) - Properties - Security. Here, too, who, what like.

Obviously, the issue of quality protection of information on flash drives on a global scale is still not resolved. Who knows, maybe a little time will pass and flash drives with a fingerprint device will become as common as DVDs are now.

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