History of Computers - Flash Memory
Contents
Overview
Flash memory is a type of non-viloate memory. This means that it can sustain it's data without power, like a hard drive. Flash memory comes it 2 types, NOR and NAND. NOR is optimized for storing things that will be executed (like programs), while NAND is optimized for data storage and is easier to make in higher capacities.[1] Flash memory in the form of USB flash dirves and solid state drives has become the primary physical way to transfer information from computer to computer. Here are the most common forms of Flash Memory
| Name | Description | Picture |
|---|---|---|
| Secure Digital | A pretty small card that is comonly used in cameras and other "pocket sized" devices. It is available in various varieties(Standard SD, High Capacity SD, Mini SD, Micro SD | 
|
| Compact Flash | Relitivly speaking, one of the larger of the flash memory forms. It used to be very popular, but went down for a while. It is now not very popular, but it may be making a comeback. One of it's benefits is that is't size and number of pins allows it to act like a regular port. Many wireless cards and micro-harddrives have been made that fit in the CF slot and are compatible with devices that use CF cards. | 
|
| SmartMedia | Even though SmartMedia cards are no longer produced, they were one of the thinnest flash devices ever. At less than .03" thick, they were the thickness of about 10 sheets of paper. Due in part to their thinness, their storage capacity was always low, and they were also very prone to data corruption. |
|
| Memory Stick | The Memory Stick is most comonly available in the Memory Stick Pro, MS-PRO Duo and the Memory Stick Micro (M2) forms. It's main sponsor is Sony, and most of Sony's devices use this format (Their digital cameras, PSPs, etc.) |
|
Significance
Flash memory has replaced floppy drives, and later CDs, as the main way to store information and transfer it between computers. Also, flash memory has almost etirely wiped out film in cameras.
Links
References
http://www.dataio.com/pdf/NAND/MSystems/MSystems_NOR_vs_NAND.pdf
