Today we will tell you everything there is to know about flash memory, what it is and what it is for, how it works and what advantages and disadvantages it has.
Flash memories are a great ally when we need to transport files and data from one place to another. They are devices that will allow us to store large amounts of information in a small space and operate via electrical impulses.
In other words, it is a storage chip that allows you to transfer data from one device to another, be it laptop or desktop via a USB port.
This device has the ability to be electronically reprogrammed and erased when connected to a device.
Among these we can find pendrives, MP3 players, digital cameras, SD memories. And they can be used in laptops, desktops or personal computers, scanners, tablets, cameras, mobile phones, video game consoles, televisions, etc.
The main features of flash memories are the following:
- It is not rewritable
- They are semiconductors
- The information saved in them is not lost when disconnected
- They are easy to carry thanks to their size
- They consume little energy
- They are resistant to shocks and high temperatures
- Economic
- They store large amounts of information
How a flash memory works
USB memory or key. It is a small storage unit that uses a USB port to connect to a device that supports this function, such as televisions, game consoles, computers, DVD players, printers, or scanners.
This is one of the best storage methods available, as it is highly customizable (you can even change the icon of a USB stick in Windows).
SD card. It is a small size portable memory for mobile devices, tablets, computers, cameras, printers, scanners, etc. It transfers information through a small metal area via electrical impulses (even a complete music CD can be transferred into it).
SSD drive. They are solid state drives that replace hard drives. They are used in computers.
Sony key. They are small flash memory units created by the SONY company for all mobile and portable devices (you can buy them in their official store)
Compact flash. This type of flash memory is the least known and used. They are used for mobile devices.
XD image card. These types of flash memory were designed exclusively for the use of digital cameras.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a flash memory
Benefits of Flash Memory
- One of the main advantages of a flash memory is its ability to store information without the need for power supply.
- They can be re-registered between ten thousand and one million times, depending on the device.
- Can retain the information for more than ten years without being altered.
- They are portable, thanks to their small size you can take them with you anywhere.
- They are strong and durable. As we have said before, they have a great capacity for thermal and shock resistance.
Disadvantages of a memory of this type
- In order to access the data and information stored there, you must have a device with a USB port or a slot that allows you to connect them.
- They do not offer any kind of security. Well, if your device falls into the wrong hands, you can have access to everything stored inside it. We recommend that you take a few minutes to encrypt your stored information.
- Virus attack or spread. Well, since it is a portable device, it is possible that when it is placed on an unknown computer, it will carry the same virus or malicious software.
- Loss of information due to misuse. It may be that if you don't take the necessary precautions to properly extract your flash memory from a device, everything inside will be erased.
- Lost or lost. Well, the advantage of having a small size can become a disadvantage if you don't pay attention and keep it in a suitable place and don't forget it.
Let's hope this flash memory guide ti was useful. If you have any questions, you can leave them in the comments so we can help.
And if you are more hungry for information, you can always look for read-only ROMs, what is it and what is it for?
