I got a 1GB flash drive on the CHEAP TODAY (Staples has always got the best deals... $25), and it's formatted FAT. Do I need to keep it this way, is there any benefit to changing the format?

EDIT: YEAH, I know the difference between the formats, etc., but I'm wondering if the rules are different for flash drives.I would keep it that way. OK. If you wanted to know how to do it just for future reference, I'll be making a Q&A article on it SOON

FlameWell, it shouldn't be hard to format it, but I was asking because I haven't heard of such large storage space actually being used in a large storage space - like 1 GB. I must be old. Unless you have a specific reason to use the FAT format, I think I would use FAT32, if not NTFS. I believe FAT32 will give you more efficient cluster size, thereby allowing more efficient use of the flash drive capacity. I've got my 256MB flash drive formatted FAT32. Here's an interesting article from Microsoft: NTFS vs. FAT: Which Is Right for You?.

And, here's something to be aware of: How do I format a USB Flash Drive to NTFS file system?. Windows behaves a little different when disconnecting a flash drive, depending on whether the "Optimize for performance" option is enabled or not. If the "Optimize for performance" option is enabled, Windows will display a "safely remove hardware" icon when you connect your flash drive. OTHERWISE, it will not display the "safely remove hardware" icon.