Storing your data (resume, cover letter, etc.) on a removable storage drive allows you to take your information with you thus allowing you access to your data on most computers you use.
In the case of public computers at Alamance County Public Libraries, County policy dictates that you may not store any data on the public computer; therefore when you enter any data, or open any attachment you wish to save and/or send you will need a removable stoage device. This is also true for any documents you elect to scan, you must have a removable device to store the scanned image.
There are a limited number of flash drives available at the library that you may use temporarily with an active computer session. The data records stored on these drives are cleared daily; therefore it is recommended when using a library flash drive, send a copy of your data file as an attachment to your own personal email account for safe keeping should you need the data again.
Click here for tips on How to Access/Save/Upload Files on Flash Drive.
Removable Storage Devices
USB Flash Drive
A small, portable flash memory card that plugs into a computer's USB port and functions as a portable hard drive. USB flash drives are touted as being eary-to-use as they are small enough to be carried in a pocket and can plug into any computer with a USB drive . Also called thumb drives, jump drives, pen drives, key drives, tokens, or simply USB drives.
External Hard Drive
An external hard drive is just like it's name suggests. It's a hard drive that lives OUTSIDE of your computer. External hard drives are essentially a big flash drive that need a power supply. People use external hard drives to back up their computers - or when they have files they want to store that take up a lot of space.
CD-R
CD-R stands for "Compact Disc Recordable." CD-R discs are blank CDs that can record data written by a CD burner. The word "Recordable" is used because CD-Rs are often used to record audio, which can be played back by most CD players. However, many other kinds of data can also be written to a CD-R, so the discs are also referred to as "writable CDs." The data burned onto a CD-R disc is permanent, meaning it can not be altered or erased like the data on a hard drive.
CD-RW
CVD-RW stands for "Compact Disc Re-Writable." A CD-RW is a blank CD that can be written to by a CD burner. Unlike a CD-R, a CD-RW can be written to multiple times. The data burned on a CD-RW cannot be changed, but it can be erased. Therefore, you hace to completely erase a CD-RW every time you want to change the files or add new data.
DVD-R
DVD-R stands for "Digital Versatile Disc Recordable." A DVD-R looks the same as a regular DVD, but like a CD-R, it can be used to record data. Once a DVD-R has been "burned," or written to, it cannot be written to again.
DVD-RW
DVD-RW stands for "Digital Versatile Disk Rewritable." A DVD-RW is like a DVD-R but can be erased and written again. Like CD-RWs, DVD-RWs must be erased in order for new data to be added.
Floppy Disk
A floppy disk, or diskette, is a disk storage medium composed of a disk of thin and flexible magnetic storage medium, sealed in a rectangular plastic carrier lined with fabric that removes dust particles.
Alamance County Public Libraries provide free and open access to lifelong learning, resources for everyday living, and reading for pleasure in a welcoming environment. Our collections, services and programs enhance the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities. Contact the Library webmaster.
Alamance County Public Libraries operates as a Department of Alamance County Government. Visit the Alamance County Website at www.alamance-nc.com.
CD-ROM/DVD-ROM
These days most new computers come with a DVD-ROM. The biggest difference cetwen a CD-ROM and a DVD-ROM is that a DVD-ROM can play both DVDs and CDs, a CD-ROM can only play CDs. If you want to know what type of CD-ROM/DVD-ROM your computer has, you go to Start and click on Computer (or My Computer) and in that window it should list what you have under "Devices with Removable Storage."
NOTE: Public computers at ACPL, do NOT have the capability to write to a CD/DVD.