What is the Definition of Flash Memory?
Flash memory is a type of computerised memory that features the quality of non-volatile storage (in other words, flash memory does not decay in the absence of constant electrical signal stimulation). It can be erased electronically and then reprogrammed.
A flash memory device is a computer chip with ROM that retains its data when the power is shut down; it can be electronically erased and be reprogrammed without needing to be physically removed from a computer's circuit board.
Flash memory has become a very hot topic, for as technology progresses in line with Moore's Law it becomes possible to store ever more data on a small flash memory drive and the portability of the drive makes it amazingly convenient. The USB portable flash memory drive is one of the biggest selling electronic items in the Western world at the time of this writing.
These ubiquitous devices are increasingly used by computer techs who are upgrading a client's computer programs, university professors and students, and businessmen for meetings and presentations. The small, easily stored device simply plugs into any computer's USB port and uploads their stored memory to the computer on command. They can also store new memories that the user downloads from the computer or the Internet.
The average flash memory drive can hold about 30 MB of data, so that it acts like a highly portable and safe electronic notebook; it can of course hold not just e-documents but also mp3s, visual images, and even very small movies. They are so convenient that for some people they are replacing disks and CDs as their choice removable storage hardware.
More and more computers come with BIOS that will allow someone to configure the computer's USB port to act as a bootable device; this is used for functions such as booting up Windows through the flash drive. This flash drive functionality is extremely useful and it's what the computer techs use to try to see what might be ailing a seemingly dead computer and if they can fix it and retrieve at least some of the user's data. (The BIOS is the computer's ROM's algorithm for launching the OS and communicating with the various input devices such as the keyboard, mouse, and DVD drive).
Other removable flash memory devices include the flash PC Card, Compact Flash, and Smart Media.
Compact Flash is predominantly used in digital cameras.
Flash memory devices are made possible through the use of transistors as data storage devices. The transistors contained in a flash memory device can be induced via an electrical current to change their state from a '1' value to a '0' value and vice-versa, but when that current is shut off the new configuration of the transistors remains as it is until the next time they are stimulated.
Nearly all flash memory uses either the FAT-16 or FAT-32 file system (FAT stands for File Allocation Table; the numbers refer to the number of bits of data that can be coordinated by the memory).
FAT stores information about the physical location of each piece of every file in the flash memory and uncovers locations of unusable areas in the flash memory.
Related Tags: promotional usb flash drives, logo branded usb flash drives, logo branded usb memory sticks, custom usb flash drives, custom usb memory sticks, promotional memory sticks
Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who writes for a number of UK businesses. For logo branded USB Flash Drives, he recommends Flashbay.com. Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- Fix Printer, Keyboard, Speaker and Monitor Cables With Funky Organizers
There are different types of cables that are used when you have a desktop computer at home. Most of - The Growing Trend of Asterisk Phone Systems
Truly, businesses are doing everything they can in the economy and competitive world of today to rem - The Future of Business Intelligence: Innovations in Location Intelligence
In the coming years, many business analysts are predicting that Business Intelligence (BI) will play - Adobe Photoshop Album Starter Edition and What Happened to the Unlock Codes
Adobe has long been known as a star in the digital image editing world and the Adobe Photoshop Album - Choosing the Best Computer For Graphic Design
In the 1980s, desktop publishing came out and graphic designers began to utilize computers for all k - Versatility of Pocket HD Camcorders
In the era of the do-everything handheld gadget, high def camcorders family seems almost passee. The - Contemporary Office Furniture
When considering Contemporary Office Furniture there are a few things that you really should conside - Professional Web Design, Professional Web Designer
There is a lot to consider if you are looking for a Professional Web Design. So let's get to it. Fir - Cell Phone Protection and Safety For Kids
If your like the millions of parents giving your children a cell phone for safety when their away fr - Looking For That Smart Pc Workstation And Desk
Do you need a work area at home. Maybe it is just for doing bills. It may be for a community work ar
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Voip Residential Comparison Guide: Evaluating Packet8, Lingo, And Vonage
Voice over internet protocol [internet telephony] is a rapidly growing technological alternative to - What's The Difference In The Ionic Breeze Quadra?
The Ionic Breeze Quadra is the newer line of ionic breeze units offered by The Sharper Image. These - Selling World of Warcraft Accounts
Everybody knows that WoW is one of the most exciting MMORPGs ever created. This makes selling WoW ac - Film Cameras
Film cameras are simple cameras, which could be used by all easily. People prefer to use film camera - Salesboom SLA-MS Competition
Oh, the irony. Online CRM Services shy away from offering customers a Service Level Agreement. Why t - How To Improve Your Computer Speed Almost Instantly
Probably your computer, even though you bought it last year its no longer that much fast. Like any o - The Mosquito Ringtone - The Tone Adults Can't Hear
Without a doubt, the mosquito ringtone is one of the most popular ringtones ever. Good luck trying - Auto Navigation Systems And Gps Technology While Traveling
If you have managed to do any research on auto navigation systems I'm sure you've come across countl - Do Cheap iPods Really Exist?
If you know anything about music trends, you know that iPods are the hottest portable music device t - Online Mobile Phone Offers: Take 10 Minutes To Save £360 On Your Next Mobile Phone Contract
Cash Is Falling Out Of Your Pocket If you live in the UK, you're probably paying line rental on a m