Since the backup files created by YuleLog can get large if you have a large collection, a floppy disk may not be the best way to move or save your backup files. Saving them to a CD takes several steps and you have to remember to change the properties from "read only" when you copy them back from a CD.
If your computer is fairly new, then it most likely has one or more USB ports. This means you can use a USB Flash Drive.
These little devices can be smaller than a pack of gum but can hold large amounts of data. They are readily available at almost any place that sells computer supplies including Walmart and Walgreen's. Ranging in price from $15 to over $100 in sizes from 128 MB to 2 GB they offer a great way for moving and storing your backup data. Make sure you get one with as much memory as you can easily afford to be sure that you have enough room for your files.
Once they are plugged into a USB port (either on the back of your PC or conveniently located on the front of some newer PCs) they show up like another hard drive on your computer. You can copy files to and from the the USB Flash drive just as you would to a floppy, zip, or hard drive.
Scroll down this page to see a list of Frequently Asked Questions for USB Flash Drives.
USB Flash Drive FAQ from the USB Flash Drive Alliance at http://www.usbflashdrive.org
What is a USB Flash Drive?
How do I use a USB Flash Drive?
Will my USB Flash Drive work with any computer?
How much data can a USB Flash Drive hold?
What are the advantages of using a USB Flash Drive instead of a CD-R or DVD-R?
What are the advantages of using a USB Flash Drive instead of a Floppy Disc?
What are the advantages of using a USB Flash Drive instead of an External Hard Drive?
Who are USB Flash Drives for?
Do I need a USB Flash Drive?
Are there many manufactures of these kinds of products? If so, who are they?
How much do USB Flash Drives cost?
Are USB flash drives susceptible to corruption from airport security technology?
What is the UFDA's position on IP/Intellectual Property?
Can I use a USB flash drive as a back-up for significant
files?
Are USB flash drives intended to be hot-swappable (i.e. you can plug one in, or remove it, with the computer already on)?
Is it possible to transfer data to and from computers running different operating systems?
Can I store and transfer music files with my USB flash drive?
A. A USB flash drive is a compact USB flash memory drive that acts like a portable hard drive, letting you store and transport your most precious computer data. They hold incredibly large amounts of information and are small enough -- about the size of a pack of gum -- to slip easily into your pocket, conveniently around your neck like a necklace, or on your keychain.
Q. How do I use a USB Flash Drive?
A. Just plug your USB flash drive into the USB port of your computer or other USB-equipped device and drag the files you want to take with you into the folder that appears on your screen. Your files are instantly transferred to your USB flash drive. To transfer the items on your USB flash drive onto another computer, simply plug your USB flash drive into the computer that you want the files transferred to, open the folder that appears on your screen, and drag the desired files onto the computer's desktop.
Q. Will my USB Flash Drive work with any computer?
A. USB flash drives are using the USB protocol to interoperate with PCs (Macs too!) and devices with a USB port. Typically USB Flash Drives use mass storage class drivers that are incorporated in Windows Me, Windows 2000 and Windows XP or later as well as Mac OS 9 and Mac OS X or later as well as Linux 2.4.6 or later. Some manufacturers offer drivers for Windows 98 SE or Windows NT. Apple offers a mass storage class driver update for Mac OS 8.6. For more information, please consult with the manufacturer of the USB Flash Drive.
Q. How much data can a USB Flash Drive hold?
A. USB flash drives are currently available with up to 2 GB storage capacity, and are available in a variety of storage sizes for different needs. For reference, a 2 GB USB flash drive can hold about 250 songs in MP3 format.
Q. What are the advantages of using a USB Flash Drive instead of a CD-R or DVD-R?
A. USB ports are much more common than CD and especially DVD burners, so your USB flash drive will work with more computers than a CD-R or DVD-R. Also, the process of uploading files from your computer to a USB flash drive is much faster and simpler than burning a CD or DVD.
Additionally, USB flash drives act like portable hard drives to which you can add and delete files as many times as you like. With CD-Rs and DVD-Rs, you can only add data once, and you can't remove data once it's burned onto the disc.
Q. What are the advantages of using a USB Flash Drive instead of a Floppy Disc?
A. A standard floppy disc can hold 1.44 MB, which is many times less storage space than a USB flash drive.
Q. What are the advantages of using a USB Flash Drive instead of an External Hard Drive?
A. At the size of a pack of gum, USB flash drives are far smaller than external hard drives, and with no fragile moving parts that can break if dropped, they're more easily transported. USB flash drives also do not require the time-consuming configuration required to connect an external hard drive to your computer.
Q: Who are USB Flash Drives for?
A. USB flash drives are for everyone! Power users will appreciate the power and portability that USB flash drives provide, while tech novices will love how easily and intuitively USB flash drives allow you to share files. If you can turn on a computer and open a document, you can operate a USB flash drive!
Q. Do I need a USB Flash Drive?
A. If you often find yourself in need of a way to share information between computers, or want to secure your most precious computer data, USB flash drives are for you. With USB flash drives you can transport a PowerPoint file to your client's office for presentation, work on documents from home and then bring them back with you to work in the morning, bring thousands of digital photos across the country to share with your relatives, and much more.
Q. Are there many manufactures of these kinds of products? If so, who are they?
A. USB flash drives are manufactured and sold by a number of different companies, including Lexar Media Inc., Kingston Technologies, SimpleTech Inc., PNY Technologies, and Viking InterWorks.
Q: How much do USB Flash Drives cost?
A. Prices vary greatly, based on the manufacturer and the size of the drive.
Q. Are USB flash drives susceptible to corruption from airport security technology?
A. In general, USB flash drives should be airport security safe. However, it depends on the non-volatile memory used within the device. Please check with your manufacturer for detailed specifications.
Q. Can I use a USB flash drive as a back-up for significant files?
A. USB flash drives have many usage models. One of them is to function as a backup of your important files.
Q. Are USB flash drives intended to be hot-swappable (i.e. you can plug one in, or remove it, with the computer already on)?
A. The USB interface standard was created with the hot-swappable feature in mind. Any USB device can be inserted or extracted while the computer is on. This applies to USB flash drives as well. See also www.usb.org.
Q: Is it possible to transfer data to and from computers running different operating systems?
A: Yes it is possible. As the majority of drives supported are mass storage class drivers, specifically computers using Windows Millenium 2000 or Windows XP, you can easily share files and data to and from your computers.
However, if you are using Windows 98, you will need a driver specific to your USB flash drive vendor.
In remaining cases, USB flash drives that necessitate installation of software will need to be installed on each computer accessing the information, or will need to run off the UFD.
Q: Can I store and transfer music files with my USB flash drive?
A: In general, USB flash drives use mass storage class drivers, therefore any system that supports mass storage class drivers should be able to access the content from the USB flash drive – including music files!
