USB Flash Drives V/s DVDs

Over the years, the systems we use have been subjected to extreme experimentation. New innovative concepts in the form of hybrid computers were introduced in the market. These PCs have drives that utilise both the hard disk and flash memory for data storage.

Though these hybrid computers are faster than the traditional hard disk-based PCs, they were not as popular, for they are expensive. However, the cost of flash-based memory is rapidly dropping. In a few months’ time we might well have PCs that work exclusively on flash memory-based drives rather than those that also utilise magnetic disks.

Flash Memory-based Drives

A flash memory-based drive is a storage device that uses solid state memory to store data. The flash drives used in the computers are non-volatile, that is, they retain the information stored on them even when the system is powered off. DRAM-based solid state drives are volatile and are, therefore, not used in the pc.

Working on a pc that has flash-based memory drive is replete with advantages. Laptops that have a SSD drive are resistant to shocks for these flash memory-based drives are rugged unlike the fragile magnetic coated platters of the hard drive.

Further, such computers are lightweight and consume much less power. Hard disks have more storage capacity; however, they are heavier and larger. Computers working on flash memory-based drives are faster, as flash drives do not contain moving parts. Absence of moving parts reduces seek time and other electro magnetic delays. Absence of moving parts also makes a flash-based drive more silent.

Another data storage device that has been used in a pc is the Digital Versatile Disk.

What Are DVDs?

DVDs are similar sized like CDs; however, they hold 6 times more of data than a CD. Dual-layered double-sided DVDs can hold 17 GB of data. In a dual-layered disc, the first layer is semi-transparent. Information on the second layer is accessed by shining the laser through the first layer.

On May 16th, 2006, Toshiba released its first PC with a High Density DVD-ROM drive. Subsequently, many laptops appeared that were equipped with HD DVD drives.

External HD DVD drives can also be connected to a computer via a USB 2.0. The HD DVD add-on drive had great data storage capacity and is the least expensive stand-alone drive used in computers.

DVDs and USB flash drives share some similar advantages. However, the fast-growing popularity of the flash drives might turn DVDs obsolete.

Will USB Flash Drives Make DVDs Obsolete?

USB flash drives and DVDs are both lightweight data storage devices. Though USB flash drives are more popular, they might not turn DVDs obsolete, for they have certain inherent drawbacks.

• Flash drives support a limited number of read write cycles.



• f data is lost from a USB flash drive due to some mechanical failure, it cannot be retrieved.



• Thirdly, most USB flash drives do not have write protection mechanism.



• DVDs are less expensive than flash-based drives.

Though, USB flash drives may not turn DVDs obsolete, they do score over them for the many advantages they offer.

Benefits Offered by USB Flash Drive in Comparison to DVDs

• Flash drives are immune to scratches. The external casing protects the data it contains. Scratched DVDs lose the data they contain.



• The durable solid state design of the flash drive makes it resistant to physical damage making it an ideal data transport device. Some flash drives have even withstood complete immersion in water, when they were left in a shirt pocket and machine-washed. Drying the flash drive before using it provided access to the data (that remained undamaged.) In comparison to flash drives, DVDs cannot withstand much physical abuse.



• Data storing capacity of a flash drive is more than some DVDs for they also have relatively dense storage of information.



• Most of the operating systems can read and write to a flash drive without requiring an additional device.



• Accessing data from DVDs is slower than accessing data from flash-based devices.



• DVDs are much larger and inconvenient to handle. USB flash drive can simply hang from key chain or are small enough to slip into a pocket.

Right now, USB flash drives and DVDs are co-existing. With the dropping of the prices of USB flash drives, they might soon replace DVDs.

About the author:
James Walsh is a freelance writer and copy editor. For more information on computer crime and Computer Forensics see http://www.fieldsassociates.co.uk


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