Another kind of storage device has recently emerged. It is called 'Flash' memory. Because it is so new, we have not yet found an common name for it! Sometimes it is called a 'memory stick', USB memory, Key Memory and others.

What it does is to combine a well tried memory technology called 'Flash' with the convenience of the USB connector.

Flash is a 'solid state' memory i.e it has no moving parts unlike magnetic storage devices, nor does it make use of lasers - unlike optical drives.

 Instead, it works in a similar way to RAM. The key difference is that data is retained in Flash memory even when the power is switched off.

They are now fairly inexpensive, costing from £20 upwards.

Typical sizes range from 32Mbytes up to 512Mbyte and beyond.

Flash memory is a sold-state storage device.