Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a storage device and is variously called a USB flash drive (UFD). Technically, the industry refers to these devices as UFDs, though consumers are mostly unfamiliar with the acronym, more often using terms like memory stick, thumb drive, or flash drive. They are little storage units that have been fast replacing floppy disks and CD storage.

Lexar USB drives are small, portable device about the size of a BIC lighter or package of gum. The body is an encased circuit board with a memory chip, with one end featuring an integrated USB connector. This connector can slide into a USB port on nearly any computer, making the device ideal for quickly transferring data or programs. USB ports support "plug and play" functionality so that a computer does not have to reboot to recognize the device or to disconnect from it. Modern operating systems also have built-in support for memory sticks, negating the need to load device drivers.

Lexar USB drive has no moving parts and requires very little power. Nearly impervious to casual abuse, the UFD has replaced the less robust floppy drive and a handful of other storage, transfer or backup devices. Memory storage varies according to model, ranging from megabytes (MB) to gigabytes (GB). Light, small and tough, these flash drives are the perfect compliment for any computer user.

There are quite a lot of USB Flash Drives out there having unlikely shapes and characteristics. Multi-functional flash drives seem to get the most attention because they don't only serve as portable memory storage devices; they also come in a variety of hybrid features. Examples of flash drives that combine data storage with functionality are mp3 players, digital cameras, key chains, writing pens, and other company promotional items.

Many newer motherboards have the option in the BIOS settings to boot from a USB drive. Some flavors of popular operating systems, including a scaled down version of Linux, are designed to work on the USB or UFD. Creating a live drive can be a great way to test out a new operating system without installing it on the computer's internal hard drive.

Whether backing up data files, archiving programs, or building a portable music library, the Lexar USB drive is a great investment with a humble price tag. UFDs are sold everywhere electronics are sold.