File Backup

• Because of their large capacity, flash drives make excellent backup storage devices. Their portability also enables them to be kept at a different location from the original data for added security.
  
  

Sharing Files

• A flash drive is ideal for quickly transferring files between two computers that aren't connected on the same network. Moving files between Macs and PCs is especially easy with a flash drive because it is fully compatible with both operating systems.
  
  

Traveling With Files

• The flash drive's small size makes it convenient for traveling. Some flash drives are available as lanyards you wear around your neck or even pens you carry in your pocket.
  
  

Bootable Disk

• If your computer is able to boot from a USB drive, as many are these days, you could store an operating system on a flash drive and use it to start a desktop or laptop computer if you need to repair the hard drive, troubleshoot an operating system problem or remove a virus.
  
  

Law Enforcement

• Flash drives are used by law enforcement personnel to connect to suspect computers and run special programs that search for forensic evidence.