which usb flash drive
 

hello, i want to buy a 1gb flash stick to move files from my xp computer to my linux computer, i just thought id ask here and get some opinions.
ive seen a Buffalo RUF-C1G/U2 flash stick and im considering buying it (mainly because its cheap ;) , here is the link ---> http://www.buffalo-technology.com/pr...?productid=110

the information on the website doesnt explicitly say it supports linux, but im thinking maybe thats for the optional drive encryption software (secure lock-ware), which im not too bothered about, although it would be a nice feature. is it likely the stick would work on both xp and linux for straight file transfers?

are there any other 1gb flash drives worth considering? btw, im in the uk so it needs to be something available here.

Most flash sticks should work with no problems on Linux, particularly if you have a 2.6 kernel.

I have a Sandisk Cruzer Micro 1GB. It seems quite good so far (and is supported on Linux). The USB connector retracts into the body of the stick, so there is no cap to lose.

I suggest buying whichever one you like best.

--Ian

I've found that the ones that dont need drivers work fine with a 2.6 kernel. I tried one that needed drivers for XP and wouldn't work under linux.

thanks guys :)

Generally usb flash memory keys work well under Linux (especially newer kernel versions). The reason why some won't work is that the device needs drivers for some specific function, but most of them are simply flash storage disks which work with the "general native drivers", if you like. That's why they don't need special drivers under XP either. Win98 (for example) needs drivers since it doesn't have them built-in -- but if you look at the file it asks for when you're required to insert the Win98 CD during an installation of such a disk, it's (as far as I know) always the same diskdrv file. So actually, after you've installed one usb disk's drivers to your system, chances are that quite many of them will install nicely without the Win98 cd, you just need to search the file from your harddisk for the Windows prompt (yes, it's there - Windows just doesn't remember).

Now back to the business. Mostly the "drivers" are needed for some extra software indeed - like "securing the drive" (crypting software). You can crypt the data under Linux too, but probably not using the manufacturer's own nice little proggie, but some existing crypting programs. So if it's about securing the data onboard, you're fine.

More and more usb flash key manufacturers are starting to type "Supports Linux 2.6 and newer" at the back of the package - this is a good thing. Yet there are those who simply write "Only works under MS Windows XP or newer/Mac OS X 10", which is mostly bullshit (sorry about that). On old Linux kernels however these "sticks" won't work, not out-of-the-box at least - the needed kernel modules are found at newer kernels, and as it's said, the 2.6 series has a relatively good support for these little gadgets. Many digital cameras work as usb storage media too, if you just have the option in the camera settings to turn it from "Camera" to "Storage" or similar - though in many cases this is not needed, as many camera models work as "Cameras" under Linux, so you can just use your favourite program to get the images (rather than copy the files off the card).

I agree you should just buy the one you like the best. If you're unsure, you can ask the seller if you can return it in case it didn't work -- this is unprobable, but it won't harm you if you ask (especially if you're buying some more expensive stuff).

thanks for your reply b0uncer, i have purchased a bytestor 1gb model, which should be delivered early next week, from here -->http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/...161231-4954217
, instead of the buffalo. what influenced me was that whereas the buffalo model makes no mention of linux at all, one of the reviewers of the bytestor stick state that they use the bytestor with mandriva linux, so i went with that instead, just to be sure.