Why were flash drives invented?

Answer 1

Look around. You probably dont see very many floppy disks anymore, do you? All of the new computers are being made without them. Flash drives are like floppy disks, only sturdier, more compact, and they have a LOT more space on them. They plug into a USB port, which 98% of computers have.

The main reasons a technology becomes popular:

1. Increased/increasing storage capability

2. Decreasing cost

3. Compatibility with other [widespread] technologies

and maybe 4. portability

Answer 2

This text has already been used in an OCR piece of coursework and so if you use this in any GCSE coursework you will need to credit the author (me) or face disqualification:

NOTE: This was used in a larger essay on computer hardware so there may be some references to a section on hard drives which isn't included.

USB flash drive

A modern equivalent to the floppy disk, a flash drive (also called USB stick, USBy pen*, pen drive, USB or memory stick) can store thousands times more data and is much more durable (no moving parts). Modern flash drives can store as much data as some old hard drives (back when hard drives had 20GB capacities). A USB flash drive is a mix of old and new. Older data storage technology, combined with modern microprocessor advancements has lead to a cheap, low power data storage medium. Because of its low cost and convenience (just plug in) it has become a very lucrative market. For transferring data between computers that don't have a LAN network (like with many multiple computer owners) a USB is a cheap and effective solution. In school networks where pupils can't send documents to each other (because of administrative rules) a USB is once again the solution. This very essay was done entirely on a USB because it makes it easier to work at home and school. Just as Amazon gained popularity for its convenience so did the flash drive.

The only problem with a USB is its lifespan; flash drives have write cycles which means once the end of a write cycle is reached the USB will stop allowing writing. This means that the USB's owner will not lose all their data but merely not be able to write any more data to it.

The length of time before this happens varies based on how often a memory stick is used. One used to store an operating system to run a computer off would be constantly written and read making its lifespan considerably less than that of someone who occasionally used their memory stick to transfer a few word documents.

*Pronounced 'Uzbe pen'

Answer 3

Flash drives...

hold more space

are easier to carry

are smaller

haveusb port

password protected

Answer 4

Think of it as a briefcase for electronic papers.

It was invented so large amounts of information could be carried with the user easily and transfered among multiple systems.