The Care and Feeding of Flash Drives

It's official: the floppy drive is dead. Dell and a plethora of other PC manufacturers have simply stopped including floppy disk drives, thanks in no small part to the smaller, lighter, and faster USB flash drive that can carry over 1,000 times the standard 3.5" floppy.

In a recent conversation with a newsletter subscriber, I casually mentioned flash drives. These devices are also known as jump drives, thumb drives, USB drives, and probably a few other names as well. The subscriber mentioned that she had purchased a flash drive but didn't know how to use it. This article is for her and probably for a lot of other people who also have not yet used one of these great devices. I am also including information about programs and advanced uses that may be news even for experienced flash drive users.

First of all, flash drives/jump drives/thumb drives are not drives at all. So much for accuracy in naming! These pocket-sized devices contain a tiny circuit board, some amount of flash memory, and some supporting electronics. Flash memory is noted for its storage capabilities; when you turn the power off, the stored data does not disappear. It has been saved in the flash memory. You later can re-apply power and all the data will still be available, identical to what it was when the power was turned off.

Flash drives tend to physically imitate conventional hard drives so that they may act as a replacement for hard drives or floppy drives. When you plug a flash drive into your computer's USB port, it appears in the Windows or Macintosh operating system as another disk drive. You can write data to it or read data from it in the same manner as reading and writing data to and from hard drives, floppy disks, and CD-ROM disks. Since they are portable and very rugged, flash drives are great replacements for floppy disks and CD-ROM disks. They are smaller, more durable, and have bigger storage capacities than floppies. They are also faster than floppy or CD-ROM disks and often are faster than hard drives. (Speeds may vary, depending on the type of flash memory used.) Many flash drives manufactured in the past year or two have even greater storage capacity than CD or even DVD disks.

I carry a 16-gigabyte flash drive in my pocket most of the time, a unit that I picked up on sale recently at a local computer store for $59.95. Similar units are available from nearly every computer store, department store, drug store, and other places. A local variety store near me sells smaller capacity flash drives for $4.95.

You can purchase a 512-megabyte flash drive (equal to the storage capacity of 355 floppy disks or nearly the storage capacity of a CD-ROM disk) for $7.99 at http://www.compusa.com/applications/searchtools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=3735735&sku=L61-4400&CMP=ILC-FPM04 and 16-gigabyte flash drive for $69.99 at http://www.compusa.com/applications/category/category_slc.asp?CatId=2634. Sixteen gigabytes is roughly the amount of data stored on 11,000 floppy disks. Not bad for something that is about the size of a tube of lipstick! Try carrying 11,000 floppy disks in a pocket or purse!

I suspect you might find even lower prices if you look around long enough; the prices on these things seem to drop weekly.

Unlike normal disk drives, jump drives contain no moving parts. The only thing inside the case is flash memory plus whatever other electronic parts are required to make it work. The entire unit is sealed and is more or less impervious to heat, cold, shock, dirt, or most other physical abuse. They will not withstand extreme abuse, however. I did have one jump drive stop working after I accidentally sent it through the washer and dryer. You'd think that would teach me to empty my pockets before doing laundry! However, a few months later I did the same thing again with the replacement jump drive that I purchased. The second one survived and is still in use today. It also looks very shiny, apparently thanks to the detergent used. However, I do not recommend using Tide on all your electronics gear!

Using a jump drive in Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Macintosh OS X is simple: insert the jump drive into your computer's USB connector, wait a few seconds for the operating system to detect it, and then start using it. The jump drive will appear as a new disk drive that is attached to your computer.

Jump drives do not work in Windows 98 unless special drivers are loaded first and do not work at all in older versions of Windows.

In Windows, the new disk drive normally appears as the next drive letter in succession. For instance, if your computer has a hard drive that appears as Drive C: and a CD-ROM drive that appears as Drive D: and there are no other drives, the jump drive will probably appear as Drive E:. That is the default operation, but it can be overridden. A few jump drives may appear as a different drive letter, but most will appear as the next letter available.

Operation on Macintosh OS X is similar except that Macs don't use drive letters. The jump drive will appear on the desktop with a name assigned to it. My 16-gigabyte jump drive appeared with a name of "unnamed" when I first inserted it. Another jump drive manufactured by SanDisk first appeared with the name of "SanDisk." I always change the device's name to something that is logical to me by right clicking on the jump drive's icon and then selecting GET INFO. I then change the name that appears in the "Name and Extension" field and give it a new name of my choice.

You look at folders and files on the jump drive the same way as you navigate any other drive. In Windows Explorer, double-click on the drive's letter to open the "tree" of directories and files. Macintosh users can do the same by using Finder.

To execute any programs stored on the jump drive or to open any documents, simply double-click on the file name. This is the same operation you would perform on a hard drive, a CD-ROM disk, or a floppy disk. You can read files or write files from almost any application in the same manner as any other disk drive. For instance, if your jump drive appears as "Drive E:," you can create a word processing document and then save it as "E:\myfile.doc" or something similar.

One thing that is different is the removal of the jump disk. You should not remove the jump drive while it is in use. You should first close all applications that access the jump drive.

NOTE: I must admit that I have unplugged jump drives many times while in use and have never lost data as a result. However, a warning message usually appears and there certainly is a POSSIBILITY of data loss. I suspect that I will lose data sooner or later if I don’t abide by the rules, so I do try to remember to follow the recommended procedure.

For Windows users, the correct method is to find the "Safely Remove Hardware" icon in the desktop's System Tray at the bottom right of the screen. Briefly hold the mouse pointer over each icon there until you see the pop-up "tool tip" that says "Safely Remove Hardware." Right click on that icon, and then follow the displayed menus to stop access to the jump drive. When complete, a message will appear on the screen, stating that it is safe to remove the jump drive.

Macintosh users go through a similar, but simpler, process. Right click on the drive's icon on the desktop or in Finder, and select EJECT from the menu that appears. That's it. Within a second or two, the drive's icon will disappear, and you can safely unplug it. An even simpler method for Mac users is to drag the drive's icon and drop it on the EJECT icon in the bottom right of the desktop screen. Either method accomplishes the same goal.

With both operating systems, if you ever encounter a situation in which you cannot stop access of the drive, power down the system and then remove the jump drive. Power up and proceed as normal.

Anyone who owns both Windows and Macintosh systems will be pleased to learn that a single jump drive can be used on both systems. I frequently move files from a Windows system to a Macintosh system and back by using a jump drive. In fact, jump drives also work with most Linux systems as well. A jump drive is also a great way of copying data from a desktop to a laptop system or back again.


Backups and Archival Copies

I often keep copies of important files on jump drives. When traveling, I carry all my past newsletters plus "work in progress" copies of the articles I am presently working on. These are backup copies in addition to the copies on my laptop and the copies on the desktop computers at home. Carrying backup copies in your pocket or purse provides a lot of protection against hardware malfunctions or human errors. However, just remember that it is easy to lose these small devices!

If my laptop should fail when I am traveling, I can always borrow a computer, insert my jump drive into its USB port, and start using the files I’ve put on it. Of course, that assumes that the borrowed computer has compatible word processors or other programs installed. (See "A Word about U3 Drives" below for a solution to possible problems with applications.)

When I travel to genealogy conferences to make presentations, I always have a copy of my PowerPoint slides stored on a jump drive that I keep in my pocket. More than once I have encountered a laptop that wouldn't work or was not compatible with a presentation room's overhead projector. It is a great relief to pull the jump drive out of my pocket, insert it into a borrowed laptop, and start my presentation without missing a beat.

One store owner I know uses a Windows XP system with point-of-sale software installed, sort of a "computerized cash register." He leaves a flash drive plugged in all day and instructs his programs to store all data automatically on that jump drive. At the end of the business day, he powers down the computer, removes the jump drive, places it in his pocket, and takes it home. Once home, he copies all critical files to his home PC to make sure he always has a current off-site backup.

Jump drives are great storage media because they are small, lightweight, and impervious to normal handling problems when being jostled around in a pocket or purse. However, the life expectancy of data stored on a jump drive has not been proven. I would suggest that you use jump drives only for short-term storage: a few weeks or a few months. Don't count on them for long-term archival purposes. They might save data for years, but there is no guarantee.


Programs

Not only can you save documents on a jump drive, but you can even store programs on them and run them directly from the jump drive. Actually, this is easy to do with almost all Macintosh programs, but it may be a problem with Windows. Most Windows programs read and write data to the Windows Registry, something that is not stored on a jump drive. Generally speaking, Windows will only let you run programs on jump drives if those programs are specially written for use on jump drives. Almost all Macintosh programs will operate directly from a jump drive, however, since Macintosh does not have a registry.

NOTE: For a detailed discussion of the Windows Registry, look at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Registry.

For more information about running Windows programs directly from a jump drive, look at http://portableapps.com. Also check out the next section about U3 drives.

Macintosh owners need no special "shortcuts" for most Macintosh programs; simply place the application software on the jump drive and then double-click to run.


A Word about U3 Drives

The following section is for Windows only. Macintosh users can skip this section.

Some jump drives sold today are called "U3 jump drives." In fact, the hardware is identical to other jump drives. U3 devices simply have special software pre-installed.

U3 technology was developed by U3 LLC, a division of SanDisk. U3 was created for Microsoft Windows operating systems so that applications can be executed directly from a specially formatted USB flash drive (that is, these applications can be run without first being installed on the computer). U3 drives are popular for word processors, web browsers, e-mail programs, Skype telephony software, and more. Not only can you execute programs directly from U3 jump drives without first installing software, but you can also store data (optionally) on the jump drive. There is no need to leave your data behind on someone else's hard drive. U3 allows you to keep your sensitive data safe and sound in your own pocket or purse.

USB flash drives adhering to the U3 specification are termed "U3 smart drives" by U3.com. "U3 smart drives" differ from traditional USB flash drives because they come preinstalled with the U3 Launchpad, which emulates the Windows operating system Start menu and also controls program installation and operation. U3 applications will run on Windows 2000 SP4+, XP or Vista. (Vista operation is only possible on U3 firmware version 2.1.5 or newer. Older U3 jump drives do not work on Vista. However, even the newer U3 jump drives will generate lots of Vista pop-up warning windows when trying to execute programs.)

U3 jump drives typically cost $10 to $20 more than a standard jump drive of similar capacity.

A wide range of U3-compatible programs are available, including word processors, web browsers, e-mail programs, games, music players, Skype telephony to make free or low-cost telephone calls over the Internet, virus scanners, text editors, encryption programs, checkbook programs, dictionaries, medical reference books and much more. Some of the U3 programs are available free of charge while others are sold for a fee. Almost all U3 programs can be downloaded directly from http://www.u3.com. 

I carry a tiny 2-pound Windows laptop that has a very small hard drive. To conserve disk space, I installed only a few programs that I use often on the laptop's hard drive. Most of the lesser-used programs are installed on a U3 jump drive. When I want to use one of these lesser-used programs, I simply insert the U3 jump drive and run the program directly from that drive. A side benefit is that I have most of my programs available when traveling and using a borrowed Windows computer at an Internet cafe or elsewhere. This may or may not work at your favorite library, depending on what restrictions that library’s staff may have placed on their computers.

For more information about U3 jump drives, look at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U3 and at http://www.u3.com. (Try to overlook the tacky background music at http://www.u3.com.)


Jump Drive Variants

I have described normal jump drives and U3 jump drives with pre-installed software. Other manufacturers have created still other variations. Since these devices are easily lost and may contain private information, several manufacturers have created high-security jump drives. These may have embedded password protection software or even built-in fingerprint readers. In theory, nobody can extract any data from these jump drives without the appropriate password or fingerprint.


Is a Jump Drive a Good Choice for You?

I would say, "Yes." I suspect that everyone can use a jump drive. It is a great tool for short-term backups of your own data. It is also a great method of taking some of your data to a friend or copying data from your friend's computer to take home. Anyone who owns both a desktop computer and a laptop also needs either a jump drive or a network – and a jump drive is a lot cheaper than a network.

Comments

[Betty Jo]

You didn't say in your article and I haven't found a definitive answer elsewhere.... Are flash drives susceptible to magnetism as our old floppies were? We were always warned to keep them away from magnets, radios, etc. If so, will the magnetic strip on a credit card affect them? They often seem to end up in the same pocket.

[theKiwi]

Here's a page that talks about magnetism and USB Flash Drives...

http://www.pcuser.com.au/pcuser/hs2.nsf/lookup+1/01BFB1663E670AFACA256D8F00157283

And note that the strip on a credit card is not itself magnetic - it's susceptible to magnetic force, which has been known to affect the data on the strip (and if it's a hotel key card in Fort Wayne can prevent you from getting your room door open!! ), but the card can't exert a magnetic force on anything else to affect it.

Roger

[Kathy Amoroso]

I often use my flash drive to move files from my Mac to my PC and vice versa. The problem is that if I want to delete the files from my flash drive, I have to use my PC. I can delete them with my Mac but it leaves files like ._xxxx on it. My PC can delete those but my Mac doesn't. Have you experienced this?

Kathy

[John]

For exchanging short documents with friends, floppies have often been and still are convenient - cheap enough to be given away, used and reused. Who says I need a gigabyte flash drive for a 2-page document? Regardless, it will be too expensive to give away. I'll keep using floppies as long as I can.

[Kitsy]

Before buying a flash drive, I read reviews at a site selling them online. One lady said she had forgotten to remove her flash drive from her jeans 6 times. Six times her flash went through the laundry and it still worked. That's the one I bought. It is made by AData and comes in 1,2,4G drives with a lifetime warranty. The sizes come in different colors which is great. www.adata.com.tw

[Marianne Fisher]

Thanks,Dick...I really learned a lot from this article!!
Plus the additional comments answered my questions too!

[Patsy Hand]

I do not own a laptop so I am wondering if these flash drives are permitted to use in libraries. I would use one in this manner to refresh my memory concerning dates and locations, etc when I am researching. I tend to forget what state and time period I need for some of my ancestors and this would really be a help.

[Fran Taylor]

I use a jump drive to store my very important files such as my household inventory for insurance in my safety deposit box at the bank because a CD won't fit in the box. The one problem with jump drives is that there is no way to identify either them, if you have two the same, or their contents. I wish the manufacturers would make a small space where I could at least enter a number.

[Woody Hardman]

I have a Western Delta "Flash Drive" that is about 3"x5" and 1/2" thick which holds 249 GB. I use it for an external hard drive and in fact I am storing all of my data files to it as a full time backup. Cost was $109 at Costco.

[John D Reid]

Useful article Dick. Some local archives and libraries prohibit the use of flash drives on their computers citing the risk of virus transmission. How real is the threat? What can be done about it to permit the use of these devices?

[John D Reid]

Useful article Dick. Some local archives and libraries prohibit the use of flash drives on their computers citing the risk of virus transmission. How real is the threat? What can be done about it to permit the use of these devices?

[Larry Hamilton]

Users of Linux can also use flash drives. Depending on the distribution of Linux used, the flash drive is recognized automatically, as it is on Windows & Macs. Like the Mac, it will not have a drive letter.

On some distributions, the user has to either configure it to automatically recognize the flash drive, or use command line each time the flash drive is used.

The more "user-friendly" your Linux distribution, such as Ubuntu, the more likely the flash drive is to be recognized automatically.

I run the Windows version of LifeLines off a jump drive, and it is great. As long as the Linux PC and the Windows PC have 32-bit processors, the same database will work between them. I keep the main LifeLines database in Linux, but have a backup on flash drive that I can use at work or other Windows PCs. I just copy the entire LifeLines database directory to the same location on the flash drive. NOTE: The database directory is the name of the LifeLines database. If I happen to make any changes to the database on the flash drive, I just copy it back to my PC.

I also make a backup of the database directory and export to GEDCOM and zip them and email to my gmail account, so I have an "accessible anywhere" copy of my data.

[Marjorie Jodoin]

I have a larger flash drive with applications installed from portapps -- office suite, browser, the works -- its great for libraries because it doesn't interfere with computer systems and having my own apps on it means I have consistent program use. No surprises with incompatible files etc. You can even install PAF or Ancestral Quest gen programs to the flash to have your whole gen program on you at all times -- just back up your files to your home computer.

[david]

Flash drives ARE permitted in libraries. As a matter of fact, I use Ancestry.com free in our local library, and any images from my searches can be saved directly to my flash drive (instead of having to pay for printouts) for later review/printing at home. Very handy.

Dick, even easier than right-clicking the tray icon to remove a flash drive is to left-click the tray icon and simply select the device to remove. No menus, and much quicker.

[Larry Hamilton]

On Windows XP and Vista, Flash drives can be easily configured to run a program, just like a CD inserted on any version of Windows.

This has been used as a way to do malicious things. So the threat is real.

It is possible to change the settings so that both CDs and flash drives do not automatically run once inserted. This would be the best thing to do on public PCs, such as Libraries, Hotels, and Internet Cafes.

You also want to be careful using a flash drive on a public computer, as it opens a way for you to bring malicious programs to your home and work computers.

I suggest one flash drive for use on PCs you know are clean, and one for use on questionable/public computers. Once a flash drive is used on a public PC, be sure to do a full scan of the flash drive before trusting it on a clean PC.

[david]

btw, Woody, that Western Digital Passport is not a flash drive, it is in fact an external harddrive. I also own one (it is GREAT), but it has a moving motor in it, like all harddrives, and is therefore not the same thing as a flash drive, which has no moving parts.

[Dick Eastman]

---> Some local archives and libraries prohibit the use of flash drives on their computers citing the risk of virus transmission. How real is the threat?

It is real. However, it can easily be managed. The process isn't complex, any Windows system administrator should be able to handle it.

Two things pop to mind: (1.) the threat is no greater for jump drives than it is for floppy disks or CD-ROM disks. These threats have been around for years and properly installed and frequently-updated anti-virus programs have proven to delete 99.9% of them. (2.) Properly-installed public access computers in libraries, Internet cafes and elsewhere usually are configured to have the hard drives wiped clean and reloaded every day or so. Even if a virus infection occurs, it doesn't last long.

Proper anti-virus software installed in your own computer minimizes the risk of a problem being introduced to your system.

---> What can be done about it to permit the use of these devices?

Probably not much. We are the guests in the establishment and are at the mercy of the owners, whether we agree with their policies or not.

- Dick Eastman

[genejoan]

I used a flash drive at our library. Their machines have no tray at the bottom of the screen. Their computers are really locked down. The librarian used one of the words at the top of the menu and then clicked on remove external drive.

[Alvin]

You can also safely remove a thumb drive from Windows Explorer by right clicking on the drive and then Eject.

[Pat]

I have an old desktop which was upgraded to Win98. I regularly use a thumb drive to move files from it to my newer laptop. Nothing was ever installed to make it work, just plug it in to the usb port. I also use old SmartMedia cards and a usb card reader to accomplish the same task.

[Gerry Livers]

I did not see an answer to my concern. Are flash drives suitable for long time storage, say 5-10 years?

[Dolly in Maryland]

When I wore my new flash drive to dinner, my scientist son-in-law commented, "A geek pendant!"

[Carolyn]

Do you advise taking all of my floppies and putting them onto a flash drive? I have several boxes of them with old documents, etc.

[Joan Parker]

For Fran Taylor re IDing info on the jump drives. I have two and for each one I wrote a little note on a small piece of paper and then covered it with scotch tape on the thumb drive. I also added my phone number in case it got lost.
Joanie

[Ann]

IDing flash drives: Write on it with Sharpie.

[Judy Martin]

My son calls his flash drive a "dongle." Perhaps this is a Kiwi or Aussie(New Zealand/Australia) term for them. My Lexar "Jumpdrives" have a small white patch on the back where a name or number can be written. I used a fine point Sharpie so that the identifying name won't rub off.

I used my "dongle" at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City while on a visit there. They encouraged us to do so. My information has been accessible for over a year now with no problem.

I liked Joanie's idea of adding a phone number and will do that right away. For years I have taped my phone number to my cell phone because I can never remember it.

Judy M.

[Dick Eastman]

---> Are flash drives suitable for long time storage, say 5-10 years?

I think I covered that in the article: "However, the life expectancy of data stored on a jump drive has not been proven. I would suggest that you use jump drives only for short-term storage: a few weeks or a few months. Don't use them for long-term archival purposes. They might save data for years but there is no guarantee."

- Dick Eastman

[Betty]

Thank you so much for this wonderful and timely article. At my son's suggestion, I bought a flash drive for use in our library when doing research, but had not used it yet. Now, I think I can use it with confidence. Note: I am printing this article for future reference; also forwarding it to my friends.

[Pat]

The Family History Library in Salt Lake City allows use of flash drives. Tons of patrons have them, often on a "lanyard" around their necks. They also fit nicely in a convention-type badge holder, along with a copy card. The microfilm reader-printers that burn CDs also accept flash drives.

[Dick Eastman]

---> Do you advise taking all of my floppies and putting them onto a flash drive?

That depends on your purpose. If all you want is convenience, I'd say "Yes." If you are looking for long-term archival storage, I'd say "No."

Neither jump drives nor floppy disks are suitable for long-term storage. If you are looking for long-term storage, I wrote a rather lengthy Plus Edition article on that subject about 7 months ago entitled, "Preserving Data: Separating Facts from Fiction." There is an introduction to the article at http://blog.eogn.com/eastmans_online_genealogy/2007/08/preserving-data.html or the full article is available (for $2.00) from the archives at http://www.lulu.com/content/1134427

[Patricia]

re; Western Digital Passport. I bought one of these, thinking I was going to save having a collection of small flash drives. But, when plug it into my USB port, the message pops up that this device could work quicker etc, it always does with the flash drives, but accepts it anyway, but the WD Passport just keeps on keeping on with this message and I get no further. Yes, I know my usb is an earlier slower one but what now?

[Bill Buchanan]

To keep track of which flash drive is installed at any particular time, you can rename them as Dick mentioned.

[Jim]

My flash drive is with me always. Easy to carry work stuff to home; and look at genealogy stuff at work... I stick a return address lable around mine and add my cell phone.

[Bill Buchanan]

RE: U3 DRIVES
U3 drives cause a lot of confusion. I get phone calls and emails where people are complaining that they are unable to save their data to their U3 flash drives. They are unaware that plugging in a U3 drive adds 2 drive letters to MyComputer, and only the higher drive letter can be written to.

My own opinion is that U3 offers little benefit, if any. I run software on a standard flash drive (OpenOffice, NVU, Filezilla, PAF, and a variety of others). There is no need for U3 to do this. For free software that runs on a standard flash drive, see http://www.portablefreeware.com/ and http://nedwolf.com/Freeware-Portable.htm
I use the free Pstart.exe program launcher as a menu on the flash drive to keep things simple.

[Don]

Steve'
Thanks for the article.I carry a flash drive on my keychain all the time and have needed it several times along with my associates who wished they are as smart as me. My favorite thing is being able to spend some time at a local library or history center and be able to copy to flash drive instead of printing writing ,etc.
What will technology give to us next? Don

[Linda Morris]

I manage a team of mainframe programmers, we call the flash drives worn around the neck with a lanyard, "Geek Bling"! Great article, thanks.

[Tonya]

On IDing, my flash drive has a form-fitting case. I simply used a small engraver (like the kind you ID electronics and such with for insurance purposes). Works great!

[Dino (all Dino, All The Time)]

Dick,

I didn't see it if you mentioned it, but USB drives do wear out. The memory used in them degrades a bit each time something is written to it. Although the cheaper drives can start failing after 300,000 write cycles or so, more expensive ones contain higher quality memory and will last over a million write cycles. In addition, the better flash drives will use wear levelling algorithims that write data randomly to different areas of the flash drive instead of always in the same place. This, too, reduces the wear and tear on the memory.

And Carolyn, YES! Copy all of your data off of floppies right now onto your hard disk, CDs, DVDs or some other media (and then back them up.) Floppies, just sitting in a box, tend to degrade and the longer they've been sitting there the better chance of that happening.

[Howard Metcalfe]

Alvin noted that one can use SmartMedia cards and a reader. I've used Compact Flash cards from my digital cameras and $15 Compact Flash card readers from SanDisk for the last couple of years for the same purposes as Dick Eastman noted.Really cheap, very reliable and smaller and flatter that jump drives in my pocket. Never had a problem. Went through airport scanners perfectly. The 512MB cards hold backups of all my current work.

[magenie]

I am paranoid! Important data on floppies was also backed up on Zip disks. Later, the Zip disks were backed up on CD's. Now, the CD's are backed up on my external hard drive. A few files are also on a jump drive. Something should survive until the next "storage wonder" appears.

[Nora Nell Thompson]

I used a small label I made on our label maker to mark my flash drives. Having the phone number on it is a GREAT idea.

Also, I refer to my flash drives on their lancets, that I wear around my neck so I don't loose them, as my "Nerd Necklaces".

Great article Dick.

[Elizabeth Jones]

I am trying to find a source for Smart Media Cards which are the only cards that work in my older Olympus Digital Camera. I really hate to replace this camera when it is so easy to use and takes great pictures. However, I have not been able to find the cards.

I noted on 4/26 "Pat" said they used the old Smart Media Cards to save information and then download to a flash drive.

Does she have any Smart Media cards she would be willing to part with????

[Dick Eastman]

Go to eBay at http://www.ebay.com and type in "smart memory card" in the search box. You'll find hundreds of them for sale there.

- Dick Eastman

[Damaris Fish]

I have a ScanDisk 2GB U3. When I plugged it in I got a message that updated stuff was available for it from their website. I bit. I figured that since they did not say something like, "Got your files archived somewhere else?", that it would only affect a part of the drive, and not all of it. So far as I can tell it practically reformatted the whole thing & wiped my programs & data files. I have not used it again since (a couple of weeks), and have not gotten acknowledgement from ScanDisk & help recovering my files. Is my experience commonplace? Any chance of finding my files? Thanks for the article, Dick. It will help me explain all this to some of our FHC patrons, and other staff.

[Missie]

Did I understand this correctly? I can put my FTM on a U3 flash drive and it will run on any computer without FTM? and then back it up on my main computer when I get home?

I bought a laptop this summer and the sales rep sold me a U3 at the same time....said to plug it in and I would have extra RAM. Is this true???

Thank you for the article, Dick! And the comments were also very helpful. I am not a "techie" , but in the world of online genealogy, I have to learn!!

[Dick Eastman]

In order to run from a U3 jump drive, the program must be U3-compatible. I don't believe Family Tree Maker is U3 compatible.

As I wrote in the article, "A wide range of U3-compatible programs are available, including word processors, web browsers, e-mail programs, games, music players, Skype telephony to make free or low-cost telephone calls over the Internet, virus scanners, text editors, encryption programs, checkbook programs, dictionaries, medical reference books and much more. Some of the U3 programs are available free of charge while others are sold for a fee. Almost all U3 programs can be downloaded directly from http://www.u3.com ."

[Larose Wynne]

Hi Dick, Really appreciate your article on Flash Drives. You and team visited my home and I mentioned I did not know how to use them. I am hoping I can utilize. Have a great trip and thanks for all of the good information.

[Ruth F]

I have installed my Family Tree database to a jump drive. Can I just add more info by plugging it in again, or will that erase what was on there?

[Tannia]

Hi, I have a thumb drive I use for my Geneology program and it works great. But, could I run a game off of one? Example, Sims2 takes alot of space on my laptop. Could I install all games on to a Thumb drive and play it from there?

[Dick Eastman]

The games can be run from a thumb drive *IF* the games are U3 compatible. Most games are not.

For Windows programs, only programs written especially for U3 will operate on U3 drives.

Macintosh users have it easier: nearly all Macintosh programs will operate directly from thumb drives without modification.

- Dick Eastman

[Gary]

Have any Genealogy software programs been created in conjunction with the SanDisk company to work well on U3 drives? Like many seniors, I prefer to use a computer in my public library for research, because these have excellent security, rather than using a computer at home where I would be afraid of being infected by viruses, etc. But that means I can't use a genealogy software program, because I have no computer to put it on. [Libraries don't allow one to upload programs to their computers.] If genealogy software were available to be installed on a U3 drive, it might solve a problem for genealogistss like me.

[Gary]

Dick-- An update to my July 7th query, now that I've done a little research:
The U3.com site has a FAQ #6 entitled "Can I install any software program on the U3 smart drive and run it from the U3 Launchpad?" http://www.u3.com/support/default.aspx#CQ6 . The FAQ explains "Only applications that are specifically developed for the U3 platform may be installed and run through the U3 Launchpad...The applications posted on U3 Software Central undergo testing and verification through our application certification program....There are some software applications that can be installed and run from any removable storage like USB flash drives and portable hard drives. These applications are referred to as "portable applications," because they do not depend on running from a particular PC. You can install these applications on your U3 smart drive and use them on any computer that runs an operating system [supporting] the particular application. You will not be able, however, to start these applications from the U3 Launchpad....Before installing any non-U3 application on your U3 smart drive, check with the software vendor to ensure that the application is portable and will run properly from a portable storage device. Please note that if you are using a portable, but non-U3 smart application, the U3 Launchpad will not ensure that the application shuts down properly on device eject and will not clean any temporary data this application might have saved on the host PC. The U3 Launchpad performs these steps only for U3 smart applications....[The site goes on to say,] if there's an application you would like to see available for U3, we encourage you to contact the software developer directly and let them know about it. Also, please feel free to fill our survey form and recommend applications there."
//
I have written to Millennia Corp [Legacy Family Tree, my chosen genealogy software], suggesting they partner with SanDisk/U3 to offer a U3-certified version of the Legacy genealogy database, but I received no reply from Legacy. [I first searched most pages of Legacy's site for mention of U3, but found none.] I have written to SanDisk, also, to suggest they partner with genealogy software developers to have genealogy software U3-certified, but I've received no reply. I have not contacted any other genealogy software developers. It seems to me that U3 drives are uniquely advantageous for genealogists, as we DO move around a lot from home to library to other archive to our cousin's house to airport, etc, working on our data often on other people's computers in those places, and many, many of us are afraid enough of viruses/spyware [or do not have computers at home] that we choose to use public library computers. Up to now this has meant we were very limited in our options for maintaining a genealogy database online. If a genealogy database developer were to go to the trouble--which sounds like slight trouble--of getting its software certified for U3 use, that company could reap a bonanza of new software buyers.
//
Some who posted comments above have mentioned programs such as PAF, Ancestral Quest, Lifelines, and FTM which they've installed on U3 flash drives, but those programs are NOT listed on the U3.com site; this suggests that their programs, although successfully installed on their flash drives, are not "installed and run through the U3 Launchpad," and so the U3 Launchpad "will not clean any temporary data this application might have saved on the host PC." In such a case, it seems the security benefits of a U3 drive [wiping one's data from the host computer when ejecting one's flash drive] will not occur. This is another reason for us to encourage our favorite genealogy software developers to get their software certified by SanDisk/U3. [A search of the Lifelines website for "U3" yielded no hits; PAF and Ancestral Quest do not offer an option to search their site, but I searched some possibly promising pages on those sites using the MS Explorer "Search" function, and similarly got no hits, strongly suggesting that these three softwares are not U3-certified.]
//
BTW, most comments I have read from bloggers and posters on forums and message boards about U3 drives seem to be negative about them, but it does seem that these comments often have been posted by users who bought their U3 drive as simply a flash drive, and never wanted it for its U3 capability. As for me, I want to buy a U3 drive, but not until my preferred genealogy software has been U3-certified.
//
Further note: There is a rival to U3 called Ceedo [Personal version: $39], which--according to Wikipedia--"is one of several 'PC-on-a-USB-stick' applications developed by Israel-based Ceedo Technologies (2005) Ltd. The most widespread product based on this technology is Ceedo Personal, a consumer portable working environment for storage devices such as USB flash drives and pocket hard drives. A key difference between Ceedo and another similar product, U3, is that Ceedo does not require Windows applications to be modified in order for them to be allowed to be carried on the portable device [underscore added by me]....Ceedo Personal comes pre-bundled on portable storage devices from Seagate, Verbatim, Maxell, ExcelStor, Venzero and others...[and under the name] 'PowerToGo' is pre-bundled on USB flash drives manufactured by Lexar Media." Although Ceedo says without qualification that one can use one's own portable apps without certification on Ceedo, their site DOES contain a short list of "Ceedo-certified programs" as well as an even shorter list of "applications...compiled from user-reported successes on our user forum. These user-recommended programs...are expected to work with Argo [a Ceedo add-on; comes with $39 Ceedo] but are not guaranteed." Nevertheless, as of this date, no genealogy apps are included in either list, while a search of the Ceedo user Discussion Forum on the terms "genealogy," "genealogical," "genealogist," "family tree," "family" or "ancestry" uncovered two posters using The Master Genealogist on their Ceedo-loaded flash drive. I could find no genealogy-related posts on the U3 Community Forum or Mojopac forums. [See next paragraph for Mojopac.]
//
There is yet another similar app launcher, described by Wikipedia thus: "MojoPac is a software virtualization product from RingCube Technologies. MojoPac turns any USB 2.0 storage device, such as iPods, USB flash drives, portable hard drives, USB-enabled cell phones, and USB-enabled digital cameras, into a portable computing environment. The term 'MojoPac' is used by the company to refer to the software application, the virtualized environment running inside this software, and the USB storage device that contains the software and relevant applications. MojoPac supports popular applications such as Firefox and Microsoft Office...."
//
More "application launchers" and general info about them as a class can be found in the Wikipedia article "List of portable software." However, the more one reads about these devices & apps, the more exceptions, footnotes, potential glitches, and other "cons" one seems to find in these potentially very useful devices/apps. For instance, MojoPac seems not to be able to guarantee security of the host computer and--as far as this layman can tell--needs to be installed on one's flashdrive via the host computer [installer needs "admin privileges"], a serious drawback, and U3 requires the loaded apps to be certified, thus limiting the apps that are supported. One suspects there are "cons" to Ceedo, as well, although I haven't found them yet. Ceedo's Discussion Forum does have comments from "advanced" users--ie, those who've used Ceedo, U3, and/or MojoPac--comparing them; some of these comments are even understandable to us laymen!
//
In addition, Dick, you refer to the several programs you use from your U3 drive, but the software page on U3.com, which lists software certified for U3 drives, lists very few programs that genealogists, in particular, would use, with most of the claimed 399 programs shown [I counted 'em] being what I'd call "tiny niche apps for geeks" or generally-useful software like word processors. Moreover, many, many of the 399 applications are cross-listed under several of the 11 categories of programs on the site [the category "PC Apps" would not display yesterday or today], meaning that the total number of programs might be only half the 399 claimed, out of the 10s of thousands of Windows apps & dozens [hundreds?] of Genealogy apps available in the marketplace. In fact, my search of U3.com's software page on the terms "genealogy" and "genealogical" yielded no hits. Does anyone know of any genealogy programs certified for U3 flash drives?

[Don Willson]

Dick,

We enjoyed your presentations in Dallas in years past and hope to get to hear you more if you get to Denver.

In your position I think you could champion the creation of a FTM U3 program. I envision the promotion for FTM that touts that, "Here is the whole package, the FTM program, GenSmarts and data". Sell a 8GB U3 drive preloaded programs, ready to plug in and go.
Thus if my data is on FTM 16 and the library only has FTM 10, I am not locked out.

This would be great if it also came out for VISTA.

Don Willson

[Don Willson]

Dick,

We enjoyed your presentations in Dallas in years past and hope to get to hear you more if you get to Denver.

In your position I think you could champion the creation of a FTM U3 program. I envision the promotion for FTM that touts that, "Here is the whole package, the FTM program, GenSmarts and data". Sell a 8GB U3 drive preloaded programs, ready to plug in and go.
Thus if my data is on FTM 16 and the library only has FTM 10, I am not locked out.

This would be great if it also came out for VISTA.

Don Willson

[Don Willson]

Dick,

We enjoyed your presentations in Dallas in years past and hope to get to hear you more if you get to Denver.

In your position I think you could champion the creation of a FTM U3 program. I envision the promotion for FTM that touts that, "Here is the whole package, the FTM program, GenSmarts and data". Sell a 8GB U3 drive preloaded programs, ready to plug in and go.
Thus if my data is on FTM 16 and the library only has FTM 10, I am not locked out.

This would be great if it also came out for VISTA.

Don Willson

[Gary]

Don--
Very good suggestion. But Dick is very busy. Why not also contact Family Tree Maker yourself to suggest they produce a U3-certified version--or mention your even better idea, a U3-certified version pre-loaded on a flashdrive? I contacted them last night via their website's Comment option to suggest that they get FTM U3-certified. If enough folks do the same thing, they might just do it.