PC help: USB memory keys old and new

Get up to speed with USB

Q What is the difference between USB1 and USB2 memory sticks? Can they both be used in any USB socket?
F J Chapman

A The difference between USB1 and USB2 is purely in the speed with which the memory sticks can copy files. USB2 is around forty times faster than USB1. USB1 is fast enough that copying Office or even music files will not take too long.

Memory sticks of either standard can be plugged into any USB socket. However, the best transfer speeds will only be achieved when a USB2 memory stick in placed in a USB2 socket.