Using a flash drive is a simple process that requires access to a computer and an understanding of how to drag a file from one folder to another. Once that is done, files are on a flash drive. So long as the computer is working and the files aren’t corrupted, they’ll transfer over in a few seconds per file. On top of that, depending on the size of the file will determine how many can fit on the flash drive.

The first step in using a flash drive is to plug it into one of the available USB slots on your computer. Most desktop computers come with four and a lot of laptop have at least two if not three or four. Therefore, you should be able to find one available USB slot. If not, invest in a USB hub. Once the flash drive has been connected to the computer, a little warning will appear in the bottom right hand corner–if using Windows–that will let you know a new piece of hardware has been detected. It’ll let you know when it has been installed properly and can be used.

Now that the flash drive is accepted by the computer, you can do one of two things. The first is click the logo that the flash drive enables on the bottom right hand corner. If there is no logo, go to the start menu, click computer and look for the drive there. Typical drives on a computer are C and D for hard drives and E for DVD drive. Therefore, if there is a F or a G drive, that means your flash drive has been connected.

Double click on this folder and then open the folder on your computer that has the files you want to transfer over. Locate the files and then drag them over to the flash drive. Or, highlight the files, hit “Ctl C” and then hit “Ctl P” in the flash drive folder. The files will be copied over. Once the copying or dragging is done, close down the folders to minimize the clutter on the screen.

Go down to the bottom right hand corner again, click the green arrow and then click stop. This will cut the power to the flash drive so it can be safely removed. This is to ensure that the flash drive doesn’t get an accidental charge and fry the files that are on it. Remove the device and use it when needed.