USB FLASH DRIVE FAQ

What is USB 2.0?
USB specification version 2.0 is the next-generation peripheral connection for personal computers. It is intended as an upgrade for USB 1.1. Not only the new standard provides additional bandwidth for multimedia and storage applications but also offers Plug-and-Play capability and full backward compatibility for legacy USB devices.

Which operating systems are supported for use with a USB Flash Drive?
Supported operating systems include Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP (Pro and Home edition), Mac OS 9.2 and above, and also Linux 2.4.17 and above.

What type of files can be stored on a USB Flash Drive?
The USB Flash Drive behaves like any other hard drive, thus supports storage of all types files provided the operating system is compatible

Does a USB Flash Drive contain any moving parts inside?
No, all USB Flash Drive are solid-state memory devices which makes them very versatile and compact.

How fast is USB 2.0?
USB 2.0 has a raw data rate at 480Mbps, and it is rated 40 times faster than its predecessor interface, USB 1.1, which tops at 12Mbps. Originally, USB 2.0 was intended to go only as fast as 240Mbps, but then, USB 2.0 Promoter Group increased the speed to 480Mbps in October 1999.

How will consumers benefit from USB 2.0?
With speed 40 times more than that of USB 1.1, USB 2.0 broaden the range of external peripherals that can be used on a computer. Even with multiple high-speed peripherals connected to a USB 2.0 bus, the system will less likely to hit the bandwidth bottleneck. The new specification also inherits the current USB’s Plug and Play and hot-swapping capability as well as providing backward compatibility for USB 1.1 hardware, allowing existing user base to upgrade seamlessly.

What are the differences between USB 2.0 and USB 1.1?
Basically, USB 2.0 includes everything that USB 1.1 offers and adds a high-speed mode, which runs at 480Mbps. USB 1.1 supports two speed modes: 1.5 and 12Mbps whereas USB 2.0 has three of them: 1.5, 12 and 480Mbps. USB 2.0 also uses the same USB 1.1 compliant cables to connect high-speed devices. However, classic USB hubs will slow down USB 2.0 devices. In addition, a USB 2.0 host controller is required to enable the high-speed connection with a USB 2.0 device.

USB 2.0 hubs are now given a lot more work to do than USB 1.1 as they need to handle all the traffic from three different speed mode devices. Plugging a USB 1.1 device to a USB 2.0 hub is okay, but connecting a USB 2.0 device to a USB 1.1 hub is prohibited.

Will USB 2.0 replace USB 1.1?
Not entirely, because many products such as generic keyboards, mice, joysticks and audio speakers do not require the faster speed of the new USB 2.0 technology. Only bandwidth-hungry devices, such as webcams and high-capacity storage systems, will need all the speed. However, next-generation systems will come with USB 2 ports rather than USB 1.1.

How do I distinguish between a USB 2.0 and a USB 1.1 device?
New logos designed by the USB Promoter Group allow consumers to easily identify the new USB 2.0 products. The new colorful logo for USB 2.0 is labeled USB Hi-Speed, and the new logo for USB 1.1 is labeled with USB Basic Speed. However, most people won’t miss it as manufacturers often label “USB 2.0 READY” or “40 times faster than USB 1.1” on the boxes.

Will USB 1.1 devices run any faster on a USB 2.0 bus?
No. However, the new USB 2.0 archiclecture allows more high-speed USB 1.1 devices, such as webcams, audio devices, to share the bandwidth. Developers need to follow USB 2.0 spec in order to design higher speed peripherals that can take advantage of the extra bandwidth. USB 1.1 devices still operate at 12Mbps at full-speed and 1.5Mbps at low-speed on a USB 2.0 bus. Even though USB 1.1 devices won’t run any faster, they can work alongside of USB 2.0 devices on the same bus.

What happen if a USB 2.0 device is plugged into a USB 1.1 system?
The entire bus under the USB 1.1 root hub will slow to 12Mbps. The operating system will probably notify the user about the sub-optimal configuration and recommend for a better course of action.

If several USB 1.1 hubs are connected to a USB 2.0 bus, then each of the USB 1.1 hub will get a full 12Mbps bandwidth.

What do I need to use a USB 2.0 device?
The requirement is similar to that of USB 1.1, but all components will have to be USB 2.0 compliant. A successful USB 2.0 connection requires a USB 2.0 host controller card, a USB 2.0 driver and a USB 2.0 peripheral.

Can I use my USB Drives over a Local Area Network (LAN)?
Yes, all of our USB Drives can be shared over a LAN.

What does the LED do?
When the USB Disk is inserted into the USB port and the LED lights up, it means that the computer has detected the USB Drive. The LED will flicker thus indicating file transfer. DO NOT REMOVE the USB disk while the LED is flickering or you might lose your data

What is USB Hi-Speed?
USB Hi-Speed is another name for USB 2.0. The official USB Promoter Group didn’t want the new USB 2.0 specification to be seen as a completely new standard, which may confuse consumers. Therefore, USB 2.0 becomes USB Hi-Speed, and USB 1.1 gets a new title as USB Basic Speed.

Who are the participants in the development of USB 2.0?
Intel, Microsoft, Compaq, Hewlett-Packard, Lucent, Philips, NEC. NEC and Philips are two new members that are added to the development of USB 2.0 and to the USB Promoter Group.