Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Copying data is getting easier and quicker

Part of the job of being an IT services company is helping clients with the simple things. Some simple advice.  And what could be simpler than copying data from one computer to another?  Most of us, nowadays, are quite happy to insert a USB stick or an external USB hard disk into a computer and copy data onto it.  Probably using Windows Explorer. Well, this task has now become a lot easier as a result of a relatively recent leap in technology called USB 3.0.  Yes, the humble memory stick has grown up a little of late.  The new USB 3.0 still uses the same size and shape plug (or interface) as the previous versions, but is 10 times faster than before.  In simple terms, that file which previously would have taken you an hour to copy, can now be done in just over 5 minutes.  It's the difference between being able to make that meeting with the data or not.  Or, when you really need to copy that file to work on later, it's the difference between getting home on time for dinner or calling home to say you'll be late again.

A word of advice though.  USB 3.0 memory sticks and external hard disks are readily available now, for virtually the same price as you would expect to pay for the previous USB 2.0 products.  However, you will need a USB 3.0 connection in the PC or laptop that you are copying from.  Otherwise, you'll get the same slow speeds as before.  Have a look out when buying a new PC or laptop to make sure that it has a USB 3.0 connection.  They're not universally common in new computers at the moment, but well worth having - if you want to make that meeting, or get home in time for dinner.

If your PC (or server for that matter) doesn't have a USB 3.0 slot, then you can always create one.  Less than £30.00 will get you a PCI card that you can install to your computer which will give you that all important USB 3.0 slot.  It'll make a very big difference.