USB sticks, as well as memory cards, indicated on Windows as " removable disks ", are portable storage devices for carrying data and receiving files from friends without resorting to sending via the Internet. When saving data on a USB stick there are always at least two fears, one related to the loss of files due to damage of any kind and then the fact that the device can become a vehicle for the transmission of computer viruses.
USB sticks and memory cards are quite durable but there are some basic precautions to use removable USB sticks and disks without damaging and losing the data inside them.
1) Disable AutoRun
AutoRun is a Windows feature that allows programs on CDs or USB sticks to run automatically once the stick or disc is inserted into the computer.
It is used by viruses to infect PCs automatically and should always be disabled on computers.
In Windows 7 Autorun is already disabled, as well as in Windows 10.
Autorun is not to be confused with AutoPlay, the program options window to use to open files.
2) Virus scan
Even when AutoRun is turned off it is still possible to be infected with malware hidden inside a USB stick.
What needs to be protected is your computer; the USB stick or memory card is difficult to protect especially if you use it, for example, to bring photos or documents to be printed in a print shop.
In theory, every time the pen is inserted into the computer, it is scanned by the antivirus.
A manual scan can be performed by right clicking on the USB device icon from the computer's resource window.
Alternatively, you can set up virus scanning from the AutoPlay dialog but another article will be needed to explain how.
3) A USB stick is very useful for carrying documents always with you and being able to work on them from any computer.
However, you should avoid working with documents directly from the USB stick for two main reasons:
- the subsequent removal could give problems;
- the memory of a card or USB stick has a duration limited to approximately 10, 000 write and erase cycles, after which it must be changed.
10, 000 cycles are many and it is a variable limit, some USB sticks can last even longer.
However, it is not recommended to save the files directly on the flash drive (with automatic saving) while editing them.
Much better to drag them to your computer, work on them and then copy them back to the USB stick.
This way you have a backup copy on a removable disk while working on the copy of the file saved on the desktop.
Clearly, if you are working on a public computer of an internet point it is safer to work from a removable disk than to risk forgetting the file on that desktop.
4) Removing the USB stick is one of the most common causes of breaking a removable device.
The correct way to remove a removable drive (or external hard drive) from your computer is to go through the Windows taskbar and select the option to remove or eject the removable disk before physically detaching it .
If you pull the plug without going through the option you risk damaging the files that are still open.
If you get an error message that This device is currently in use (...), then there is probably an open file, folder or program that originates from the flash drive.
In another article I had written how to remove a USB stick without errors even if it is impossible to disable.
Close everything and try again and then, if it still doesn't work, restart the computer and remove the removable drive when Windows is disconnected or with the PC turned off.
In the latter case, however, an error may arise which prevents the USB flash drive from being recognized without using the safe removal procedure.
In another article I wrote Solutions to errors on unrecognized USB ports, unknown or impossible to use devices
Unlike external hard drives, which are identical to internal only that portable, USB sticks or memory cards are unique pieces, more resistant and less easy to break.
Like all pieces of electronics, however, they must be treated with care, not so much because they are valuable pieces (now they cost 10 Euros) but for any data saved inside them.
It is therefore obvious to say that you should not wet them, drop them or leave them in the sun.
If the USB stick gets wet, wait for it to dry before connecting it to a computer.
USB sticks are small objects that can easily be stolen or lost or forgotten around.
We must therefore consider the use of security programs such as True Crypt to hide and protect important files from a USB stick .
