A flash drive, also called thumb drive, usb flash drive, pen drive, is a portable, removable storage device that is plugged in the USB port of a computer. It is gaining more and more popularity than a floppy disk since it is smaller(just about 2 in. small), can store a lot more data, a lot sturdier, and more reliable in keeping files safe. Once it is plugged in the computer, you could access the files just as you would access files on your c drive, except that it is located in one of your portable storage device section of your computer.

BTW, this hub was made to answer a request made by a fellow hubber.

1. When looking for a flash drive, you want to look for one that has lots of satisfied customers. The only way to do that is to go to Amazon.com and look for customer comments on the flashdrives they have used.Don't believe each and every comment though. Some are made by real people with real reputation in line, while others don't. Some also hate a company that they'll say things that are untrue. Use your good judgement.

2. Does it have a warranty? Make sure it gives you at least a year to return the product just in case it's defective.

3. It has to have a good size memory. If you plan on storing a lot of pictures, video and audio files, the minimum I would suggest is 2 gig of memory. If you're just a student and need a place to store your school files, 512 mb is ok. You just need to transfer files to cd when it's full.If you plan on storing a lot of pictures, videos and maybe games, 4 gig and up should be your minimum.

4. A flashdrive that has a water tight cover is a good safety precaution. They're too small so it's easy to leave them in your pocket, then accidentally wash it along with the laundry. The cover hopefully will keep the drive from being damaged.

5.You might want to have a hole at the end of the cover. You can put a string on the hole to make it like a pendant to wear around your neck or attach it to your keychain. When you need your flashdrive, it won't get lost in your bag or in your pocket. Just pull the body away from the cover and plug it in the computer while the cover stays on the keychain or hanged on your neck. When you go home, a hanging flashdrive cover without a body will remind you that you have forgotten your flashdrive from where you've been. It's also going to be easy to find as long you keep it in one place all the time.

6. Find a flash drive that is about 2 inches long. Anything smaller and it will get misplaced so easily.

7. Flash drives could sometimes be expensive, but sometimes it could be cheap when on sale. If you're concerned with the price, try checking it on Amazon.com to compare prices. Sometimes they have a good deal going.You can also go to Ebay.com or Tigerdirect.com. However, you won't find comments for the products on Ebay. You can only see comments to the sellers there. Tigerdirect don't have comments section either.

8. There are also flashdrives that gives you the option of entering a security code/password.You may want to consider that if you have the tendency to lose things or if you have personal and financial informaton you plan on storing in the flash drive.

9. Make sure it's new and in an unopenned package.Openned ones could be a sign that a product has been returned because of problems. Those problems may not show up until a few days or weeks. Don't get it even if it's on sale.

Pls. see comment section for any additional information added.