Secure Digital cards, also known as SD memory cards, are small solid-state data storage cards used in many digital devices. When you insert the Secure Digital card into a computer with a compatible SD card reader, it appears as a removable drive. It also has a drive letter assigned to it like a floppy disk or CD-ROM. The SD memory card, also commonly referred to as a Secure Digital flash card, has the technology to write data without electrical power. They're ideal for use in small digital devices such as digital cameras, PDAs, digital music and video players, smart phones and video games.

Secure Digital memory cards allow the PC user the ability to store digital pictures, music files and other data. Conveniently, transfer files between digital devices and your computer or to digital photo kiosks and printing firms. It’s now common to find a 2 Gb Secure Digital card, or even SD cards that store up to 8 Gb.

Secure Digital cards have several formats:

1. MicroSD is the smallest card and has an adapter to convert slots built for the miniSD card.

2. The mini Secure Digital card, designed for use in cellular phones, has an adapter to fit card readers that reads/writes the regular-sized SD cards.

3. The most commonly used by PC owners is the Secure Digital memory card and the largest of the SD formats.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase a Secure Digital memory card

Devices that use SD cards may be sold with a free SD card. Stores that sell digital cameras, cell phones, video games and PDA devices are likely to also sell SD cards. It's relatively easy to buy a secure digital card both online and in your local electronics stores.

I recommend: Business owners may find it convenient to purchase SD cards from TigerDirect and Buy.com.

Find a compatible SD Memory card adapter

If your secure digital SD card doesn't have an adapter consider purchasing a universal memory card. New MiniSD cards usually come with an adapter. Find miniSD cards in a variety of online vendors, specialty electronics and cellular phone merchants.

I recommend: Find a universal memory card at OpticsPlanet or from SuperMediaStore.com.

Buy a card reader for easy data transfer

Even if your computer has a SD card reader, every computer does not. Older card readers were bulky and sometimes required an electrical outlet. The new models are as portable as a USB flash drive or thumb drive, and often less expensive. Purchasing a 2 Gb secure digital card and a portable card reader almost eliminates the need for a USB thumb drive.

I recommend: Purchase SanDisk SD card readers from FlashMemoryStore.com.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When purchasing new computers, look for models that have a built-in card reader to make transferring files more convenient. Minimize the number of different types of cards by choosing devices (digital cameras, PDAs, mp3 players, etc.) with the same kind of memory card.
• •  Memory cards are small and easy to loose. Look for carrying cases designed to store several SD memory cards all together.
• •  MicroSD cards can't be used in devices that take a regular Secure Digital memory card.