Computer Hardware Terms, Glossary and Dictionary

A USB flash drive, also known as "flash memory", "pen drives", "thumb drives", "flash drives", "USB keys", is flash memory integrated with a USB 1.1 or 2.0 interface used as a small, lightweight, removable data storage device that plugs into a computer USB port and functions as a portable hard drive. Flash drives are active only when powered by a USB computer connection, and require no other external power source or battery power source.

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USB flash drive