|
|
|
By Packlestax from Vandalia, OH
By
09/21/2009
I use this internet tutorial when teaching computers to senior citizens. The method also applies to using CDs or DVDs.
Using a USB Flashdrive.
Introduction:
Flash drives are meant as a way to get files to and from multiple computers. They are NOT for backups. We strongly encourage users to backup files to CD-RW or CD-R disks or zip disks. ( I recommend two different means of backup.)
Please note that not all flash drives are the same. Some may require extra drivers to be installed on a computer in order for them to function properly. Public computers do not allow drivers to be installed. Therefore, not all flash drives will be compatible with public computers.
Flash drives come with varying amounts of memory. If you're going to be using them frequently, I'd suggest at least 1 gigabyte of drive, 2 gigs is better. These can now be purchased on sale for more reasonable prices. If you tend to lose small items, you might want to think about starting smaller.
Some of the most popular brand name drives, are Lexar, Sandisk, Kingston, PNY, and Iomega.
Copying files to a flash drive on a PC:
1. Open My Computer and see which drives are shown. Most computers, for example, have a hard disk such as a C: drive and a few removable storage devices such as a floppy drive, a CD-ROM drive, and perhaps a zip drive.
2. Insert the flash drive into the USB port and watch to see where the USB flash drive appears. Most will appear as removable storage, but some will instead appear as hard drives. Note the name Windows is using to refer to the flash drive ("Removable Disk (G:)," for example).
3. Open My Documents or the location from which you want to transfer files to the flash drive. Select the files or folders you want to save to the flash drive by left-clicking on them. To select more than one, hold down the CTRL key while you click and select all of the files you wish to save.
4. Right-click on the file(s) or folder(s) you selected, then select Send to, then select the name you saw appearing in My Computer for the flash drive ("Removable Disk (G:)," for example).
5. When the copying is finished, do not immediately remove the flash drive from the USB port. Instead, left-click on the Remove Hardware icon located in the System Tray. A window containing a list of the USB devices will appear. Left-click on the Safely Remove Mass Storage Device line that matches your flash drive (for example, Safely Remove Mass Storage Device - Drive(G:)).
6. When you see the safe to remove message appear in the bottom left toolbar, it is, as it says, safe to remove the flash drive from the USB port; you may close the message or ignore it, as it will close itself automatically:
Copying files from a flash drive on a PC:
1. Open My Computer and see which drives are shown. Most computers, for example, have a hard disk such as a C: drive and a few removable storage devices such as a floppy drive, a CD-ROM drive, and perhaps a zip drive.
2. Insert the flash drive into the USB port and watch to see where the USB flash drive appears. Most will appear as removable storage, but some will instead appear as hard drives. Note the name Windows is using to refer to the flash drive ("Removable Disk (G:)," for example).
3. Double-click on the flash drive to locate the file(s) or folder(s) you want to copy to this computer. Select the files or folders you want to copy by left-clicking on them. To select more than one, hold down the CTRL key while you click and select all of the files or folders you wish to copy.
4. Right-click on the files or folders you have selected and choose Copy.
5. Open My Documents or the location to which you want to transfer files from the flash drive.
6. Click on the Edit menu, then select Paste.
7. When the copying is finished, do not immediately remove the flash drive from the USB port. Instead, left-click on the Remove Hardware icon located in the System Tray. A window containing a list of the USB devices will appear. Left-click on the Safely Remove Mass Storage Device line that matches your flash drive (for example, Safely Remove Mass Storage Device - Drive(G:)).
8. When you see the following message appear in the bottom left toolbar, it is, as it says, safe to remove the flash drive from the USB port; you may close the message or ignore it, as it will close itself automatically:
Formatting a flash drive on a PC:
1. Open My Computer.
2. Right-click on the flash drive and choose Format.
3. In the Format window, the capacity, file system and allocation unit size should be chosen already.
4. You can check Quick Format, which will clean your drive quickly but not as thoroughly. A full format can take up to 10 minutes.
(Note) If you choose to format a drive that already has information stored on it, you will lose ALL items on your flash. I created a folder on my computer's desktop for storage of information on the drive as I add it. This way I have a safety back up if I accidentally reformat or lose the flash drive.
When working with the flash drive, you will be able to edit the documents, etc., that are on your flash. Save all changes as you make them, but make sure you make the same changes on your computer's original folder you are working with.
By
09/17/2009
Packlestax, I also have an HP computer with XP. I back all my things up on Jump or Flash drives. I keep 2 sets. One set I keep handy and use it whenever I need to access something that I have put on the drive. The second set I keep in a water and fire safe box so it is protected in case of a catastrophe. The drives can be bought anywhere that sells computer things. I get mine at Wal-Mart.
If you haven't backed up your important data at least to a CD, you should do so IMMEDIATELY! A computer, any computer, can crash at any time, whether it's a new computer, an old computer, a really expensive computer, or a cheapy.
Like ThriftyFun on Facebook
