With more and more people and businesses using cloud-based storage solutions, USB drives are becoming increasingly side-lined. However, their portability and ease of use still makes them an attractive option in certain situations. Especially as they become less prevalent, some people may believe they are less reliable or durable than other solutions – so, before they’re written off completely, here are some myths about USB drives to bust.
The USB connectors on flash drive are fragile.
Not at all! The connectors on USBS are made of durable metal, designed to resist damage or bending as a result of clumsy insertions or other accidents. However, it’s worth keeping in mind that the rest of the USB drive may not be so durable, with plastic components easier (but not easy!) to shatter or break. So, while you don’t need to worry about the connectors, make sure you’re somewhat careful with the rest of the drive.
Magnets can damage or affect USB Drives.
USB drives aren’t affected by magnetic fields, which means that they won’t be erased or damage by magnetic exposure. Because they aren’t made of magnetic materials (iron, steel, nickel, or cobalt) the don’t react. This means that physical hard drives, from USBs, SSDs, or even large hard drives are designed to be immune to magnetic interference.
USBs are ruined when dunked in water.
While we don’t recommend taking your USBs for a swim, they won’t be ruined if they get wet if they aren’t powered up. If your drive does get wet, it can be dried out in some uncooked rice or silica gel, and will more than likely continue to function when it is plugged in again afterwards.
Unplugging a USB without “safely removing the hardware” damages the drive.
This only applies if the drive is being actively used or accessed as it is being pulled out – something that also has the potential to harm your computer! However, if your hard drive isn’t being used or accessed, then removing it will cause no issues.
Want to know more?
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