How to take good care of portable storage devices?

1. Disconnect devices well after use

After using them on the PC, you have to disconnect them from the option «Safely Remove Device», which appears in the bottom bar of the desktop. Click there and follow the steps. The same when you want to remove a card from a camera: you have to turn off the camera before removing the memory.

2. How to keep memories always clean

The USB connectors have to be dust-free, for that they must be covered when not in use. Do not use liquid cleaning substances directly on the connector, but use cotton swabs with cleaning solution for monitors or screens. Store CDs and DVDs in their boxes and do not stack them one on top of the other.

3. Avoid exposing devices to moisture

It is the most dangerous agent for cards and pen drives because small deposits of evaporated water can enter the device and seriously affect its circuits. Exposure to direct sources of heat such as the stove and sunlight should also be avoided: it can cause irreparable damage.

4. Do not force flash cards and pen drives into the connectors

Both flash card and USB drive connectors must be inserted in a single position as they are unidirectional. Due to haste or anxiety, one tends to force the connector when it enters the wrong position. Do not force them more than necessary because both the device and the slot could break.

5. Anyway, don't forget to do the backups

Whenever possible and to avoid eventualities, it is advisable to make backup copies of the information stored on flash cards and pendrives (known as backups). Because beyond all the care and precautions that are taken, the devices may one day fail.

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