The Importance of Flash Drives

What are flash drives?

Flash drives are a relatively new technology and they are extremely convenient to have around.  Flash drives are small devices that plug into your computer’s USB port so you can store data on them.  The data is stored in a special kind of memory called “flash memory”, hence the name.  They are the modern version of the floppy disk and they hold much, much more data.  Most of them are about the size of your thumb and they are also known as “thumb drives”.  They are very inexpensive and can hold large amounts of data.  They are handy because you can transfer and use data on different computers.  This is why they are also called “Jump Drives”.  The prices can range from around $10 to $100 depending on the type and size of storage and can be purchased from most department stores or online.

What can you do with them?

The most important use is make your data portable.  I carry one constantly with me so that I can access my files and programs in class when a teachable moment arises.  You can store data as well as programs.  You can also run some operatings systems from them.   I like to use my web brower on my flash drive so all my bookmarks will go with me wherever I am.  I have many programs on my flashdrive as well as lesson plans, computer lab exercises.  Not all programs will run off of a flash drive.  They have to be modified so that all the data that is needed by the program is on the flashdrive.  Most open source software will run off the flash drive and this makes it very convenient for students and teachers.  One of my favorite sites for portable flash drive programs is found here.

Conclusion

If you don’t have a flash drive, get one.  They are almost a necessity for educators, especially if you teach in a computer lab.  They are an inexpensive tool that will help you in many ways.  I have several flash drives so I can backup my data just in case I lose one.  Let me know if I forgot any other uses for a flash drive.