It’s worth considering these 10 top features when buying a USB duplicator. In the past, CD and DVD duplication systems were popular. But now that the optical drive has been removed from many computers, and is almost gone from all laptops as well, USB flash drives are the preferred method to distribute information. Please consider these factors before purchasing a USB duplicator.
As we go through the list, let’s start with the top 10.
1. Binary Copy
Make sure your USB duplicator has a binary-copy function. Binary copy is needed to create a perfect copy of a master device to multiple targets. Binary copy will copy all the information from the master image or device, including boot code, partitions tables, file allocations tables, and data. Binary copy is important because there are so many products on the market, such as Raspberry Pi units and bootable flash drive. Although you may not require a binary-copy function, it is best to have equipment that has the ability to do everything.
2. Verification
Verification should be included in every flash drive duplicator. It’s important to double check that the duplicator has this feature, even though it is a default in all of the products we tested. It is crucial to verify the quality of the internal components, as not all flash drives look identical on the outside. The duplicator must be able to verify that the data has been written correctly onto the USB stick. You can use verification to ensure that every write operation is successful. This functionality is particularly handy when used with the binary copy function.
3. Simple User Interface
Some USB duplicators run independently, while others are connected to a host PC. While the standalone systems are simple to operate, PC-based systems have more features and functions. It’s essential that the software be easy to understand and use. Ask the manufacturer for the user guide and look at the screen shots in the document. It is possible to understand the workings of the software and the graphic user interface (GUI) by skimming the user guide.
4. Write Protect Media
Consider the safety of a USB drive by making it read-only. A USB drive that is write-protected offers two levels of security. The USB drive can be read-only, which means that the data loaded on the drive is not able to be altered, hacked, or manipulated. The USB drive is protected from viruses by being write-protected. These two security features are both equally important. However, even if the data on your USB stick does not seem to be that important, a virus spreading via YOUR flash drive is the last thing you want.
There is currently no way to protect a USB device from being written on because this is done by the controller. The controller is set up with a specific vendor command. No duplicator can protect “all” flash drives from being written. This feature may be of interest to you, so confirm that the system has the features you want. One example is NexcopyUSB flash drives duplicator which offers an instant chat function on their website during business hours.
5. Erase Feature
In the previous section, we discussed the Erase feature. We feel that this is a feature every system should have. This function will erase all data from the device. If the drive had malware on it, then that data would be lost. The Erase feature will randomly write zeros and ones to all NAND memory parts, so that data cannot be recovered once the function is completed. This feature is especially useful if you use flash drives in your business for multiple projects. Only the Erase function will completely wipe the drive. Format does not erase data, but it can be recovered.
6. Multiple Copy Methods
Binary copy method is the fastest and most reliable method to copy data from one device into another. One method may not be the best for everyone. Some companies offer the option to add only a few files if a user already has data on their flash drive. Some companies offer data-streaming, where flash drives are required to have unique information. The IT manager may want a series of functions such as Format the Drive and Copy Data to the Drive with Verify at the End. Some companies provide this type solution, but not all.
7. Log File
Every boss wants to see proof of performance. Each customer wants to see proof of performance. A log file is the best way to prove what was done. Each programmer creates their own log files, which vary in detail based on how much work they put into logging the actions. It is important to ensure that the software contains a detailed log where users can easily see the actions taken and their success.
Imagine that 1,000 flash drives were sent out to the field, and then people complain about them not working. A log file is important to understand what happened. It may take time and money to retrieve those 1,000 flash drive. The log file can save a company money and time in the event of a flash drive duplication issue. This example, although extreme, does demonstrate the importance of a log in any software package that is used to duplicate thumb drives.
8. Create IMG Files
A binary image is a copy of all the data on a device. An image file, or a single file, contains all of the information about a device, including boot code, partition tables, and data. Image files are a good way to create a digital archive for a data loading job. A.img image file can also be used to duplicate data. The master information is stored on the computer host inside the.img and software can then write the binary to USB flash drive at any time.
Image files can also be used to share data across departments within a company. The research department at a copy and paste company could create a master image file that contains boot code, partitions, and data, and then send it to the production department for mass replication. This is a good way to archive work for future use, as we have already mentioned. The use of the image as a backup, along with log files when duplicating is a foolproof way to produce and duplicate USB flash drives.
9. How Can You Contact Technical Support?
It is now harder than ever before to determine the size and profile of a company prior to purchasing a product from the manufacturer. Our research revealed that there are only a few manufacturers of USB flash drive duplicator machines, despite the fact that Google searches will reveal dozens of resellers. You, as the end user, will be able to contact technical support in the event of a problem.
It is best to contact a company and see how quickly they respond. In this case, you can go one step further by testing their technical support. The above comment brings us to feature number 10:
10. Manufacturer’s Phone Number And Address
Anyone can create a website these days, as we have already mentioned. We strongly disagree that these websites are posting less and less information about their contact details, especially when purchasing equipment worth several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. We would not recommend purchasing from a company whose website does not include their phone number and business address. We also recommend that you use Google Maps to search the address posted on the site. This will ensure it’s not a business operating out of someone’s home. We do not consider it appropriate to classify a company whose address is located in a residential area as a manufacturer. This raises questions about their longevity and availability, if they need technical support.
A USB flash drive duplicator should be considered an investment. The best way to choose a duplicator is to find equipment that can meet the demands of today as well as those of the future. This article summarizes the features that we consider when buying such equipment. If you can meet these requirements before making a decision, we’re confident you will make the right choice.