USB devices connect to computers via the USB port and can store large amounts of data. The USB Implementers Forum develops and maintains communication protocols for USB mass storage devices, making them universal. USB 3.0 has faster data transfer rates at 5,000 Mbps, making it more popular.
A USB device is any electronic gadget that interfaces with a computer via the Universal Serial Bus (USB) port. If this gadget or device is capable of storing huge amount of data then it is handled by computer operating systems as a USB mass storage device. Examples include memory sticks or thumb drives, digital cameras, flash cards, MP3 players, and external CD/DVD players.
Your computer is able to recognize and interact with USB devices thanks to a set of protocols developed by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF), a non-profit organization dedicated to developing and maintaining USB standards. These communication protocols are grouped together as the USB mass storage device class. USB-IF members include Microsoft® and Apple®, among others, who make USB standards universal rather than proprietary. A Macintosh® computer will detect a USB device the same way a PC computer does, so the memory stick or other external USB device works with all computers, regardless of brand or operating system.
Thanks to these protocols, many devices can use the USB port for plug-and-play functionality adding considerable value to the system. It’s nearly impossible to imagine living without some of the USB mass storage devices we’re used to using, including external hard drives and personal digital assistants that combine handheld computers with cell phone service. This class of protocol can also recognize some newer cell phones, although most phones require proprietary USB drivers.
Data transfer speeds for devices connected via USB have improved over the years. The first standard, USB 1.0, operates at 1.2 Megabits per second (mbps) and is still used for USB keyboards, mice, and joysticks due to their low requirements. Other devices, such as memory sticks, used the USB 1.1 protocol which operated at 12 Mbps. USB 1.1 was replaced by USB 2.0, which increased the speed to 480 Mbps. USB 3.0 is the latest standard with faster data transfer rates about ten times faster at 5,000 Mbps (5 Gigabit/sec).
USB 3.0 is bound to make the USB mass storage device even more popular if possible. USB devices are arguably the most successful and ubiquitous devices of our time. Data Transfer Speed 3.0 will dramatically reduce backup time to external drives and media file transfers between digital cameras, flash cards, and other storage media. If in the market for a USB device, please check for 3.0 compatibility before purchase.
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