The Universal Serial Bus or USB as we better know it
is an industry standard that effectively standardized the connection of
computer peripherals such as keyboards, cameras, adapters and charges to
personal computers to communicate, transfer data and supply electric power.
Over 6 billion USB 2.0 ports have been sold till date a 3.0 super speed versions
has now become the industry norm to support transfer of data from high-end
media devices that require faster transfer speeds.
Its sister, the USB flash drive has also experienced
similar popularity. Introduced as a durable and faster alternative to floppy
disks has completely replaced the aging floppy disk market. Furthermore, gone
are the days also when USBs used to cost a month’s allowance and were only
available in boring black. These days they come in every conceivable shape size
and color for a fraction of the cost.
Interestinglythough, despite having the word ‘Drive’
in its name, a USB drive actually has no moving parts- it’s only because it
uses the same system commands to read and write data as a traditional
mechanical disc drive that this name was given to the humble USB. While the way
the USB works continues to be a mystery for many, what makes it a great
invention is its durability. The average USB drive can survive falls, pressures
and temperatures that other devices can survive would fail under. For example,
highly robust flash drives can survive being run over by 10 tons of pressure
and survive temperatures of -122 degrees Celsius –mind you, don’t try that with
the $10 one you bought at the thrift store.
