Flash memory
Introduction
When you save files, for example, pictures, songs and video files, you have a number of different storage options. You might save them onto a CD or DVD. You might save them onto a portable hard drive. Or you might save them onto a flash memory device.
Examples of flash memory
Examples of flash memory devices include:
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- SM (smart media) memory cards
- micro SD memory cards
- memory cards for video games
- pen drives (memory sticks)
- ROM chips in computers
Flash memory devices (otherwise known as solid state devices)
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- These types of memory devices have no moving parts. Everything is electronically saved.
- These devices require very little power to run them (because there are no moving parts that need energy to move them). They can therefore usually get the tiny power they need from whatever they are plugged into.
Flash memory devices are also known as solid state devices. This is because they are completely electronic. There are no moving parts. They can be designed and manufactured onto a printed circuit board.
Solid state versus conventional storage devices
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- If you have ever taken a hard disk apart or read about how they work, you will know that mechanical parts are used inside the hard drive, to read and write data to disks. In optical devices that read to and write from CDs and DVDs, there are also moving parts. These need a lot of power and energy to make them move compared to solid state devices.
- Another problem with moving parts is that over time, they wear out and fail. Flash memory devices on the other hand have no moving parts because they use solid state technology and so there are no parts to wear out.
- Hard drives, for example, don't like to be bashed about too much - they are quite sensitive, fine-tuned pieces of equipment. Solid state devices, within limits, are not quite as easily damaged by movement and being dropped (although you do still have to look after them).
Removing them from a computer system properly
You can damage a solid state device by removing them from a computer, a phone or a camera, for example, before removing the power from them. The reason for this is that the solid state device draws power from the device it is in. As you remove it, you create a small gap, and an electrical spark can then be created across this gap, which damages the electronics in the solid state device. You should always use the removal utility program on your computer if there is one, or turn the power off first if there isn't.