Flash Drive Articles

Date Added 08.03.07

Author - MemoryBits Vista Compatible Flash Drives

Lightning Fast PC Startup is Finally Here

“A breakthrough computing experience.” That’s what Microsoft has been saying about its latest operating system (OS), and so far, critics have agreed. Windows
Vista promises many enhancements over previous versions including stronger security, network enhancements, DirectX 10 graphics support, and much more.

Enhancements begin in the OS kernel with increased memory management and multiprocessor synchronization. The Vista shell offers a variety of features that substantially
differentiate it from Microsoft’s last OS, Windows XP. Vista’s top-of-the-line edition is called Aero, and takes full advantage of modern day 3D technology.
Pushing graphics accelerators in ways an OS never has, Vista is able to offer stunning features such as live previews and translucent “glass” window frames.
The process of switching between tasks also received a revamp. Pressing Alt-Tab now initiates the “Flip 3D” view. This allows you to actually see your applications in a
preview window. In previous versions you could only see the applications title. Now multitasking is much faster and easier.

The addition of parental controls will allow parents to lock certain applications and web sites, and also set limits on the number of hours that children can be logged in.

Vista ships with built in speech recognition capabilities. This allows users to open and close programs and more, with voice commands. When used in tandem with keyboard shortcuts
these features can significantly cut down on the time it takes to complete routine tasks. If you are thinking all these enhancements will require some serious computing horsepower,
you would be correct. To get the most of out Vista you will want to purchase the Aero version, and it requires a minimum of a 1GHz processor, 1GB of System Memory,
128MB of graphics memory, 40GB of hard drive space, and a DVD-ROM drive.

Typically when you want to increase your PC’s performance you add more system memory, known as RAM. Having more memory means that less demand is placed on the hard drive.
This allows more programs to run simultaneously. With the introduction of ReadyBoost, you can improve performance without having to crack open your computer. Making its debut in the
Vista operating system, ReadyBoost is a leap forward in disk caching. Microsoft’s new technology enables users to use non-volatile memory in the form of a
USB flash drive. The flash drive will act like additional memory cache, which can store and retrieve information far faster than the hard drive. Vista’s use of
flash memory allows caching to be done up to 100 times faster. Importantly, the speed increase applies to all disk content, not just the page file or system DLLs. Since hard drives
still surpass flash memory for large input/output requests, ReadyBoost’s internal logic recognizes the size and sends large requests straight to the hard drive.
Performing analysis of boot-time disk usage creates a cache which can be used to speed up subsequent system boots. This feature in particular has been receiving many positive reviews.
For years, computer users have been complaining about long startup times, it is expected many users will take advantage of ReadyBoost for this feature alone.

ReadyBoost makes use of Microsoft’s new memory management system, SuperFetch. SuperFetch actively monitors your program use and preloads commonly used programs into
memory so they are available when you need them. It is also aware of the date, so you can set different profiles for weekends and week days. Traditionally background
tasks such as antivirus and backup programs gobbled up system resources when you were not actively using your computer. SuperFetch ensures that these program stay
in the background so you don’t encounter any delay when you choose to resume your work.

The requirements for a USB flash drive to be ReadyBoost capable
include having at least 256MB of storage space. The flash drive must also be able to write at speeds faster than 2.5MB/sec. Microsoft recommends matching the
capacity of the flash drive to the size of your system’s memory, although you will notice increased performance, regardless. SanDisk recently released a new flash drive
called the Cruzer Micro USB. Enhanced for making use of ReadyBoost, the Cruzer also ships with U3 smart technology. U3 is a mobile computing platform that
gives you the ability to launch your applications straight from your flash drive. This way you are able to take your wallpaper, preferences, favorites, and even programs with
you to provide a familiar computing experience, no matter which computer you are using. The Cruzer has a 4GB storage capacity and its high speed makes it perfect for transferring
large files like high resolution photos and music. It is USB 2.0 certified and still compatible with older USB 1.1 ports. Cruzer Micro and Titanium USB drives also come
with Skype so you can make video calls from PC to PC while you are away from your home computer. The Micro also features a convenient, retractable USB port, so there
is no need for extra pieces such as a protective cap. Its thin profile means it won’t obstruct dual-stacked USB ports, and it works with both PC and Macintosh computers.

Another great way to take your files with you is the Kingston DataTraveler II USB flash drive. Offering high performance and fast data transfer rates up to 19MB/sec, this is
the perfect option for both home and small office users. Kingston’s USB drives also use the SecureTravel PC software to protect your computer from unauthorized
access. You can protect your important with password protection and zone partitioning.

Integral’s Courier line of USB flash drives have up to a 4GB storage Capacity. This is plenty of space for all your data and ReadyBoost startup files.
Compatible with both PC and Macintosh, this is another ideal high speed option for use with Vista’s ReadyBoost technology.

USB flash drives have been a popular item since their introduction, and demand is due to rise. As more and more people upgrade to Vista, they will no doubt be eager to take
advantage of the enhancements ReadyBoost offers. Flash drives have always provided a fast and easy way to transfer files from one computer to another. Now that they can
increase your PC’s overall speed, prepare to see plenty more people sporting flash drives on their key chains.