Muistitikun

Muistitikun is the Finnish term for a USB memory stick, a small portable data storage device that uses flash memory and connects to computers and other hosts via a USB interface. It provides removable, rewritable storage with no moving parts and draws power from the USB port.

Common capacities range from a few gigabytes to several terabytes, and the interface has evolved from USB 1.1 to USB 3.x and USB-C. Newer drives may offer higher read and write speeds, with performance influenced by the USB standard, controller, and flash memory. In practical use, speeds are typically measured in tens to hundreds of megabytes per second for consumer devices.

Muistitikut are widely used to transfer files between devices, carry personal documents, photos, and media, or to serve as bootable media for operating system installations and recovery tools. Many models support hardware encryption and password protection, and some are designed to act as portable applications or live systems.

Compatibility is high: modern operating systems generally recognize most Muistitikun without additional drivers, though organizational security policies or encryption settings may require configuration. Durability and longevity depend on the quality of the flash memory and wear leveling; flash memory has finite program/erase cycles, and physical damage remains a risk.

Historically, USB flash drives emerged in the early 2000s, with early models such as the DiskOnKey from IBM and M-Systems contributing to their popularity. Since then, Muistitikut have become common accessories for both personal and professional use, reflecting advances in storage density, speed, and security features.