Tips on Using USB Memory Sticks

USB memory sticks (also known as USB flash drives, UFD's, jump sticks, memory keys, etc.) are now more popular than ever.

Why? They're more reliable than floppy disks and are one of the best ways to move data around. Nearly every computer that has been manufactured over the past couple of years has several USB ports (sockets), and the memory stick simply plugs into one of these ports and displays as another drive on the computer.

It is best to use them for transport rather than for long-term storage. Memory sticks should not be used for the primary copy of your work or as a permanent back-up. If you have large pieces of important work, it is wise to burn your files to a CD at regular intervals.

While the use of memory sticks are convenient; like most aspects of computing, there are certain things you should be aware regarding their care.

Label your memory stick or attach an identification item so that it will be easily recognizable as yours.
Rename your memory stick with your name or your network user name or student ID number, etc. You may be limited to 11 characters, but it may cut down on the time that goes into tracking your memory stick down if it gets misplaced. To rename,
1. just plug your memory stick into your computer's USB port,
2. double-click on "My Computer",
3. under "Devices with Removable Storage", select the designated memory stick drive -- usually E: or F:,
4. right click and select "Rename" from the menu,
5. key in a name or identifier. The example shown, SmithJE-1TV, uses a network login name and part of a class designation.
Take care not to leave your memory stick in a computer. Sorry . . . but Mohawk College cannot replace misplaced, stolen or lost memory sticks.
All memory sticks come with a cap to protect the electrical contacts -- please use it!
Avoid contact with extremes of heat, cold, magnetic fields and liquids.
Memory sticks are relatively easy to replace, but your data may not be! Have you got a backup?
Include your memory stick in your virus-checking routine.
Remember to allow enough time to save data to your USB memory stick. Don't remove the stick while it is saving data. This may render the device unusable in future.
When you have finished using the USB stick, tell Windows by clicking the "Safely Remove Hardware" icon in the tray at the bottom of the screen and then following the on-screen directions. Failure to remember this can cause a variety of problems, including data loss.