11. Flash Memory

Flash memory storage devices are typically small, lightweight, removable and rewritable. They consist of a small printed circuit board which is encased in plastic or metal casing. They usually have a removable cap which covers and protects the part of the stick which is inserted into a USB port.

Memory sticks are available from 1 Gb up to 8 Gb.

Advantages

• They are more compact and portable than floppy disks or CDs/DVDs.
• They hold more data than a floppy disk and nowadays often more than a CD.
• They are more reliable than a floppy disk because they have no moving parts
• They are being developed with fashionable looking outer casings and are almost becoming a 'fashion accessory' much in the way of a mobile phone.

Disadvantages

• At the moment, the cost per megabyte of storage is more expensive than floppy disks, CDs or DVDs.
• They can be easily lost
• The metal part which is inserted into the USB port can be snapped off if they are handled roughly