Sometimes it is good to go Back to Basics…After discussing about the most common questions about USB keys, so here’s to you and exclusively (or almost) the words to know in the world of USB. Do not panic, it’s simple, fast and efficient!
Artwork : Artwork refers to the original files we need in order to perform the printing or laser engraving portion of your customized USB key order. The file formats approved for this are .eps (vector format), .ai (Adobe Illustrator) and .pdf (high resolution).
Autorun : A special file or program that runs automatically when a CD, DVD, or USB disk is inserted into a computer.
COB : Also known as Chip-on-board flash memory. It is similar to an ordinary USB flash drive, but with one major exception – it can be produced at a much smaller size than traditional flash drives. We use them mainly in Card USB Key and Mini USB Key.
Driver : Also known as a device driver, this can be one or more software files that must be installed on a computer system before a new hardware component (such as a printer, scanner, or USB drive) can be used.
Flash Memory : A computer storage chip that can be electrically erased and rewritten. It is primarily used in memory cards, USB flash drives, MP3 players and solid-state drives for general storage and transfer of data between computers and other digital products.
Gigabyte (GB) : A storage capacity equal to 1 billion bytes.
Hub : A piece of computer hardware that expands one USB port into multiple ports.
Laser Engraving : A permanent process whereby a high-powered laser is used to etch text or an image onto a USB drive. Is normally only available on metallic surfaces such as steel or aluminum.
NAND : A type of flash memory (Solid State Drive) use to retain data integrity when a system loses power or is turned off. Commonly found in USB drives, MP3 players, smartphones, PC tablets and other technology related gadgets.
Data Preloading : Aka Inserted date. The option of having your data loaded onto a USB drive in mass quantities.
Swivel : A USB style that features a built-in rotating cap instead of a removable cap. The most popular style.
USB 1.1 : The original specification is decreasing in usage due to more recent upgraded hardware versions, has a maximum reading speed of 12 Mbits (or 1.5 Megabytes per second).
USB 2.0 : The newer specification, also know as the High Speed USB, comes with a maximum reading speed of 480 Mbits (or 60 Megabytes per second). Is probably the most commonly used USB standard today.
USB 3.0 : An even newer specification also known as SuperSpeed USB, brings significant performance enhancements to the ubiquitous USB standard, while remaining compatible with the billions of USB enabled devices currently deployed in the market. SuperSpeed USB will deliver 10x the data transfer rate of Hi-Speed USB, as well as improved power efficiency. With an average data transfer rate of 4-5GB/sec, it is by far the fastest USB so far.
Write Protected : Special protections that keep some or all of the files on a USB drive from being erased or deleted by the end user.
You are now officially the king of the USB drive !
Stay tuned folks!
Your one and only NOMAD POWER TEAM