USB sticks or memory sticks are the most helpful and useful data and information keepers invented by man. Different people of society carry around these sticks to help them with their data and information storage needs. No matter what the age, race, or sex, these sticks always come in handy. The idea about the memory stick is that it is a light and easy way to keep and carry around important data. Its plug and save feature is an aspect that has made this device popular especially among students and businesspersons.



Before discussing deeply about the essentials of USB sticks let us first understand how it was brought forth in the modern limelight. Like all electronic devices, basic flash memories began as circuit chips incorporated together. These circuits were known as CMOS or Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor. This was designed to carry out a variety of functions and operations. These circuits where first designed in 1963 and then produced in 1968. Its production was the beginning of the digital integrated circuit. The rise of CMOS became an extraordinary innovation. However, as time went by drawbacks of these little circuits were discovered which later on gave rise to its successor the EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM or Read Only Memory). The EEPROM is the more like the blueprints of USB sticks. This chips purpose was to be written to and then to hold data without power. Its faster data accessibility and universality was a great improvement.

A memory stick is made from many different interconnecting components that allow it to function properly. It is made form 5 basic components. Its first visible piece is the male type-A USB connector. The inside parts are the USB Mass storage controller, Nand flash memory chip, and a crystal oscillator. The last part is the case, which protects the memory stick's fragile pieces. Additional components sometimes come with USB sticks. LED's, write protect switches, and key ring attachments are the most common add-ons.

Unlike CD ROM's or diskettes, the memory stick has far better uses. Not only can it store data but it can also be used as giveaways for companies. As gifts, it can be branded with your company logo, motto or crest. The fact that it is a very practical device makes it an ideal giveaway. With so many companies producing memory sticks, it has become a very affordable necessity. Its usefulness to society has in fact become prevalent. USB sticks have already become the next coffee mugs for businesses and homes. Almost everyone uses memory sticks at home or at work and are cost effective for the data they can hold. With technology improving from moment to moment, memory sticks have also evolved into more useful gadgets like the mp3 and mp4 audio and video players.

What makes USB flash drives good data assistants is the fact that they are very handy. With its lightweight feature it can be hung on your neck with a band or it can be places in your pocket. The memory stick's versatility and practicality has made it one of the most important storage devices for man.