Blogs

22-Apr-2024

No more panic in a meeting when you have your USB flash drive in your pocket. All your official and casual files are available in it. You will not have to carry any laptop or hard disk with you just for the sake of digital storage. A few decades ago, a tiny device of the size of an index finger was launched to change the whole world. Since then, the whole concept of carrying digital files has changed. You can add and remove files from it, unlike CDs, DVDs, and floppies in the past. Those are redundant technologies that can’t help you anymore.  Now users have better, faster, and more convenient devices, which are USB drives. Any kind of file can be saved in them with TBs of storage size. Nobody might have ever imagined that a time would come when terabytes of data would be carried in a tiny USB flash drive. Yet, the time has come. You might have used them a lot in recent decades, and now you will find out some interesting information about them below.  Three Common Types  You might have heard different names for this device, and all of them have a slight difference. However, people use alternate names for all these types.  Flash Drive Pen Drive (Slimmer than flash drive) Thumb Drive (Slimmer and smaller than pen drive) A flash drive is common, which helps you carry data from one place to another. You can transfer any file with the help of this tiny device. As the technology improved, users received newer versions, which were pen drives and thumb drives. They have smaller sizes for more convenience of users. However, professionals carry both types depending on their needs. People who have to deal with massive data transfer rely on flash drives because of their larger storage capacity and data transfer speed. Since users required more capacity and speed for larger data, newer versions were released to cater to their needs. That is why you will see four versions of USB drives. The latest version can carry data from GBs to TBs, while the basic version was capable of a few MBs in the beginning. USB 1.0 USB 2.0 USB 3.0 USB 4.0 Type A If we go into detail, there is the first and the most basic type. That is USB drive type A. It is still used all over the world when it comes to transferring data or charging any device. USB flash drives have this signature pin type, which has been provided in desktops, laptops, and notebooks for a long time. Since newer versions were introduced, this type is not found in the latest versions of computers. Type B Then type B comes, which enables mobile phones to connect to a personal computer. This is the type, which is widely common in most smartphones. It connects the charging slot with the charger since one side is type B and the other side has type A pin. It is faster than the previous type because it has more pins. Type 3.0  Then comes type 3.0, whose slight introduction was given in the beginning. It is similar to type A but with slight improvements. Those improvements are about speed and data capacity. It can carry up to 5 GB of data in a flash drive. Type 4.0  With more improvements, type 4.0 comes. It is the latest version of type A USB with data carrying capacity from GBs to TBs. Some of them have limits like 256 GB, 512 GB, and then 1 TB. It can still go ahead with 2 TBs and more.  Type C Then type C, the latest one, comes. Many mobile phones and PCs can be connected with the help of it. It has the same style from both sides for easy insertion and ejection. This is the first type, whose pin is the same from both sides without causing confusion for users in insertion. All the previous types had two different sides of the same pin, which needed only one way of insertion.  Lightning  Then another type was launched, which is called lightning. This one also has the same sides, which do not confuse users. Since this pin is compatible only with Apple’s devices, you will not see it being compatible with other companies’ devices.  Sizes of USB Drive It all started with storage capacity in MBs, and now reached TBs. You might not find any USB flash drive with storage capacity in MBs because the technology has come way ahead. Although there is a wide range of sizes, you will find availability of sizes starting from 4 or 8 GB in the market.  64 MB 128 MB 256 MB 512 MB 1 GB 2 GB 4 GB 8 GB 16 GB 32 GB 64 GB 128 GB 256 GB 512 GB 1 TB and above Even 16 GB storage is going to be obsolete soon because the user data capacity is way more than before. Documents, songs, movies, video games, images, and lots of types of content require mega space now. A user can carry terabytes of data with themselves with the help of USB flash drives. It was just an imagination in the past decade.   Applications of USB Drives  As you might already know why these USB flash drives are used all around the world, let’s give you a refresher. In organizations, professionals have to carry confidential data somewhere secret for maximum safety. Transferring that data from one place to another without any involvement of the Internet is mandatory. It is for the safety from online data theft and scams. To deal with such risks, these flash drives are the best. Portable Storage to Carry Data You do not need heavy hard disks to carry your stuff with you wherever you go. Since USB flash drives were launched, data carrying has become so convenient. You can carry your documents, videos, images, and audio files in a tiny device. This tiny device not only carries terabytes of data but also it is very light and convenient. Massive data storage is with you all the time even if you travel from one country to another.  Data transfer from One Device to Another A tiny device that allows you to transfer your data from one place to another is all you need. No need for the Internet or any other service to transfer anything from one place to another. This is a prime use of a USB flash drive to share files between two computers.  Replacement of Compact Disks to Boot Computers   Since modern laptops and notebooks do not have CD/DVD ROMs in them, you can use USB pen drives instead. They can allow you to boot computers for the installation of operating systems, software, and drivers of various kinds. IT professionals can carry such software in these USB drives to make operations swift on any computer. Conclusion They are available in different storage sizes with a standard physical size. Users from every field rely on them since they can help them keep personal data from anyone’s reach. A USB flash drive might become more advanced in the near future with faster speed, higher capacity, and more durability.  Read Related: Best Practices for Securely Using USB Flash Drives

22-Apr-2024

A USB drive is miniature technology but can carry data up to terabytes. From an IT expert to a layman, almost everyone has to carry data with themselves. Some years ago, sharing digital files from one PC to another was not possible without this technology. Still, this technology is making lives easier when it comes to the mobility of confidential data. Where digital stuff comes, the risk of its theft and damage also comes. Without following USB security best practices, one can’t keep their confidential data safe at all. These seven ways can help you protect your USB drive from any data loss. Purchase an Encrypted USB Drive The easiest and simplest way to avoid all the hassle and risk is by purchasing an encrypted USB drive. If you are not aware of this term, don’t worry because you will find it out in the next sentence. Encryption is about making your digital device like a USB drive secure from any data breach. This feature makes USB pen drive security possible. No one can access your confidential files if you have an encrypted USB drive. That will keep the information regarding all the files meaningless unless you use a password to decrypt it. That is how strong this feature is. This type of USB has a higher price than an ordinary one. So, you would like to pay some extra money to save your data from stealth or loss.  You Can Also Make Your Standard USB Drive Encrypted In case you already purchased a USB flash drive, you don’t need to be disappointed because you still have a chance. You can turn that drive into an encrypted one with the help of software. Many software are available to install an encryption system in a USB stick to make it secure. You can get data encryption in your USB drive to make it secure from any kind of loss or theft. ➺ Just install that software on your PC and insert your USB stick in the port. ➺ Then, go to the Windows Explorer option to find the logo of an external drive. ➺ Then click the right button to get options regarding setting the password on your USB drive. ➺ A new window will open of the encryption software where you can find password protection. ➺ Make sure you select options as per your convenience because you can encrypt a few selected files as well as an entire USB stick. ➺ Use a unique password that can not be guessed by anyone. ➺ Do not share it with anyone, nor use a similar password anywhere else. You will need the same software to unlock the drive because of its encryption compatibility. Since there are different types of encryption software available in the market, you will have to choose only one. If that software is not on the PC, you will not be able to decrypt your drive. Scan It with an Anti-Virus Software Before Accessing It Encryption is enough because other factors also make an impact. Still, you can suspect security risks of USB drives in a PC. So, you will have to install anti-virus software on your PC or organization’s digital security system to deal with it. If you have already installed it on the PC, you will have to perform the following task before using your USB stick. ➺ Do not access files as soon as you insert your USB drive into the port. ➺ The first thing you need to do is let your PC scan the drive automatically or do it manually. ➺ Wait for the scan to complete so you can see potential risks inside the PC. ➺ After the scan process is completed by your PC, check the results. ➺ If all the files are clear, you can go ahead. If they have threats, remove those files or treat them accordingly.  Limit Unauthorized USB Drives from Having Access to Your PC If you are concerned about the security of your files, do one thing. You will have to limit the computer from reading any unauthorized USB drives. That is common in organizations since confidential data can not be compromised at all costs. An IT team has to ensure only limited and authorized USB drives can get access to a PC that is linked to the database.  Delete and Format It After Copying Files If you are on your way to copy or share files from your USB stick to any PC, do one thing. One thing needs your attention, and that is the risk of leftover data. Never assume that the data you delete from a USB stick completely disappears from it. It remains there, and experts can restore it with the help of some advanced tools.   One of the USB security best practices is to keep the USB drive away from anyone’s reach. Even if it is empty, you still can’t let anyone get their hands on it. Format the data multiple times, add some random data again, and then format it again. Repeat the process a few times to reduce the risk of letting your deleted data be stolen.

19-Apr-2024

In today’s era, smartphones are gadgets owned by everyone, and these devices have become an extension of ourselves. It is difficult to imagine your life without a smartphone. The smartphone has become a part of our work lives as we use it to communicate with colleagues and arrange online meetings. It has also become a part of our social lives since we connect to social media through our smartphones, and our leisure time is spent on our smartphones playing online games.  Over the years, smartphone models have also evolved and become packed with more features and larger in size. Since we are interacting with our smartphones for long periods of time, holding these large smartphones for long periods can make our hands tired. It contributes to hand fatigue. A really useful smartphone accessory that addresses the problem is a mobile phone stand or holder. This simple accessory makes watching long videos and reading online books really easy since you do not have to worry about hand tiring while holding the phone. It also helps you keep a good posture since you do not have to unnecessarily lean over to watch if you lay the mobile flat on its back.  In this blog, we will take a detailed look at various types of mobile phone stands and recommend our choice, so keep reading.  Types of Mobile Phone Holders  Adjustable Phone Stand The most popular and common type of phone stand, this particular type of holder features adjustable holders that can repositioned according to the needs of the user to tilt the screen in different positions so that the user can view the screen from different angles while keeping the phone stable. It is also designed to hold a tablet.  Desk Phone Stand This kind of phone stand is designed for your workspace. It keeps your phone accessible while you work on your laptop. Since this phone stand keeps the smartphone screen facing you in an elevated position, you can keep an eye on it for important notifications. Such stands commonly have a built-in compartment for storing office supplies like pens or papers.  Tripod Stands Designed for podcast hosts and photographers, these phone stands are ideal for keeping the phone steady while shooting pictures or videos. The tripod consists of three legs with an adjustable holder at the top that can tilt the mobile upwards or downwards depending on the position of the object that is intended to be captured by photo or video.  Car Phone Holders Arguably one of the most useful types of phone holder category, these mobile phone stands to hold the smartphone in a fixed position during a bumpy ride while you are driving. The base of the stand clings to the dashboard, a/c vent, or windshield of the car through a magnetic clamp or clip-on and is versatile enough to accommodate all sizes of smartphones and tablets.  Folding Phone Holders A handy type of phone stand that is essential for a normal phone user is a folding phone holder. Unlike other types of holders, these holders are small enough to be kept in a backpack or purse. They fold to fit in the limited space of the backpack and can be taken out and unfolded to hold the phone in a stable position either in landscape or portrait mode.  Advantages of Different Phone Stand Types Adjustable Phone Stands The single most important advantage of these phone stands is that they can position the phones at any angle for hands-free viewing. Moreover, they can accommodate smartphones and tablets of all types and dimensions. Desk Phone Stand What makes the desk phone stand special is that it keeps your work desk organized by keeping your phone out of the way but within easy reach while you work and also keep the desk uncluttered by storing small office items like papers and pens in its built-in storage compartment. Tripod Stands An ingenious accessory for vloggers, podcasters and photographers, the tripod stand is the ultimate solution for taking crystal clear photos and videos on the phone by ensuring the mobile is in a stable position. Car Phone Holders Car phone holders make life really easy for drivers. Drivers can view their phones without risking an accident by letting go of the steering wheel, attending important calls hands-free, or playing music while driving without getting distracted. Folding Phone Holders These phone holders offer immense convenience as the user can carry them wherever they want unfold the holder, and set up the mobile in a stable position for their viewing comfort.  What Features To Keep In Mind While Buying a Phone Stand Although there is no shortage of options in the market for mobile stands, you need to avoid making a hasty decision. The first thing to consider is your mobile size, dimensions, and weight. Once you have a good idea about that, then you can start considering the mobile stand characteristics like  Durability Select a mobile phone stand that is constructed from a robust material that can withstand daily use.  User-Friendly Design  Make sure that the mobile holder has a design that is ergonomic. It is better to buy from a reliable mobile phone holder seller that offers renowned brands. Price Aim for a balance between price and quality. No need to buy a phone holder that is really high-end rather, buy a range one with a quality build