CertiGuide to Security+  9  Chapter 3:  Infrastructure Security (Domain 3.0; 20%)       9  3.2  Media            9  3.2.4  Removable Media

3.2.4.4  Diskettes 1 2 3 3.2.4.6  Smartcards

A media technology that has been rapidly gaining in popularity for electronic devices like PDA’s, MP3 players and digital cameras, as well as for data exchange among computers, is the flash memory card, or “flashcard” (not to be confused with the very-low-capacity media you might have used in 2^nd grade to learn math).

Flashcards offer “persistent” memory, sort of a cross between the no-moving-parts attribute of RAM and the ability to maintain data even without a continuous supply of power offered by magnetic and optical media.

Flashcards are a convenient way to transport large amounts of data in a very small space, usually without worrying about format issues. For example, a CF card written by a digital camera can usually be popped into an adapter on a desktop, and read, as if it were a CD or floppy. Additionally, flash memory cards are more durable than most media, even diskettes, thus making them useful for transporting data. Since they are solid-state devices, there’s no mechanical wear and tear, and unlike optical media, no concern about scratching. The main disadvantage to this type of media is high cost (hundreds of dollars for a card which stores less than a CD-R, for example).

3.2.4.4  Diskettes 1 2 3 3.2.4.6  Smartcards