MAC Version
USB Flash Drive Adapted from - http://www.usb.org/faq/ans1/
Overview: Despite the different brands and names you’ve heard for USB flash drives JumpDrives™, Pocket drive™,
Pen drives™, and Thumb drives™ - they all pretty much operate the same way. The difference is mostly in price,
capacity, design, functions and features (for example, some have built-in MP3 players). What’s really important,
though, is what they share: They’re all pluggable, portable, and powerful!
What is a USB Flash Drive?
A USB flash drive is a compact USB flash memory device that acts like a portable hard drive, letting you store and
transport your most precious computer data. They hold incredibly large amounts of information and are small
enough – about the size of a pack of gum – to slip easily into your pocket, conveniently around your neck like a
necklace, or on your keychain.
How do I use a USB Flash Drive?
Just Plug your USB flash drive into the USB port of your computer or other USB equipped device.
An icon for your flash drive will appear on the desktop.
Drag the files you want to take with you into the folder that appears on your screen. Your files are instantly
transferred to your USB flash drive. To transfer the items on your USB flash drive on to another computer, simply
plug your USB flash drive into the computer that you want the files transferred to, open the folder that appears on
your screen, and drag the desired files on to the computer’s desktop. Ask for assistance when working in the
computer commons.
Can I just pull out the USB Flash Drive? -------- NO:
No, you should not remove the Flash Drive when the LED is flashing. Removal at such times may cause the loss of
data and damage to the device.
Click the icon on the desktop. Drag the icon over trash can on the right side of the dock.
The trash can will become a triangle pointing upwards.
When the word “Eject” appears release the mouse.
IT IS NOW SAFE TO REMOVE YOUR FLASH DRIVE.
What to do if the computer does not see the Flash Drive?
Restart the computer. The drive should be there after logging onto the computer.
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Can the Flash Drive also be infected by a virus?
Yes, the Flash Drive can be infected like any other storage device. You should take all the necessary precautions so
that your device does not get infected by a virus. In the event it is infected by a virus you can utilize any anti-virus
software to clean up your device. However, this action may cause the loss of any data stored on this device.
Receiving message “The disk “Untitled” is in use and could not be ejected.” What should I
do?
There is a file opened on the drive, close all files on the USB drive and try again.
Will my USB Flash Drive work with any computer?
USB flash drives are using the USB protocol to interoperate with Macs (PCs too!) and devices with a USB port.
Typically USB Flash Drives use mass storage class drivers that are incorporated in Windows Me, Windows 2000
and Windows XP or later as well as Mac OS 9, Mac OS X or later and Linux 2.4.6 or later. Some manufacturers
offer drivers for Windows 98 SE or Windows NT. Apple offers a mass storage class driver update for Mac OS 8.6.
For more information, please consult with the manufacturer of the USB Flash Drive.
What do USB plugs and ports look like?
USB features one “Universal” plug type for all USB peripheral-to-PC connections. The distinctive USB plug looks
like this:
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