Storage has become an integral part of technology as a whole. There is a need to store files, whether it be documents, photos, or video, no matter where we are or what device is in use.
The SD card has become a great way to conveniently store those things without having to take up much space. Even better, SD cards are compatible with more portable devices like smartphones, tablets, cameras, and more. But there are a few things to do (and not do) when it comes to SD cards.
Do: Read/Write Once Per Year
What’s the big deal about having an SD card reader that has just been sitting around for a while? There is nothing to worry about when your card has been sitting in a desk for a long time, is there? As is the case with just about any piece of technology, SD cards can stop working after a while.
Even if it is recognized by the device when used after a long time, that card will be more prone to data corruption and loss. Make sure to read/write using an SD card at least once per year to keep it working properly and prevent the aforementioned issues from arising.
Don’t Mix Cards
Though it may not seem like a big deal, don’t mix cards with devices. Even using one memory card between something like two digital cameras can wind up doing damage to the SD card. The biggest issues faced with these cards is data corruption and loss.
Switching between devices can lead to both. Try to keep each device limited to one SD card in order to maximize efficiency and longevity. You might get away with using one card for multiple devices but it is substantially shortening the life of that card in the process.
Do: Always Use a Card Reader
While it might seem convenient to just plug your device into a computer and read the SD card that way, it has a major downside to it. Use a card reader instead to ensure that your SD cards are being read in a safe, proper manner. It seems like a small step but it can have lasting consequences.
The cool thing is that now many laptops and PCs come with SD card readers built-in. Using the reader will ensure that the card is being protected, leading to a far-less chance of there being data corruption or even lost files in the process. As you’ve probably noticed by now, there are a few different things that can damage and corrupt an SD card.
Don’t Use the Wrong Adapter
It can be all too easy to confuse one type of SD card with another and end up using them with the wrong adapter. For instance, using a MicroSD adapter to fit MicroSD cards into a full-sized SD slot will definitely wind up being the wrong move. Even if it seems like they fit, you will be doing serious damage to the MicroSD cads in the process.
The micros are not designed to be able to handle the kind of data input that a normal-sized SD card is able to handle. In the end, it will lead to the loss of a file or even corrupted data. Make sure to use MicroSD cards through the native camera, drone, tablet, or phone in order to protect both the card and the information on it. A lot of these are simple practices but effective ones that will provide greater life for the SD cards in question. All of which will save you both money and hassle in the end.