I assume if I use a new 2.0 flash drive with an old computer that can handle USB 1.0 that is still OK and would work. Correct?

The end that plugs into the computer is the same size.

It should be completely compatible, it's just you won't get the more recent version speeds for transfer.

It should work. But there can be other problems. The thumb drive I have won't work with Win98 without drivers being downloaded and installed prior to use.
If the machine is running XP, a balloon will pop up telling you "the device could run faster, click here for a list of USB 2.0 ports" (even though there are no 2.0 ports on the machine).

Bullshit! The end that plugs into the computer is the same size. That's why its called "universal" serial bus.

you speak the truth, I know not the root of anger that you wield thou...

but here is the site that speak this truth: the USB compatible with earlier behalf

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/learnmore/jones_02august05.mspx

There are actually three different types of USB plugs for different size devices...but that plug is on the device side, not on the computer. I've never seen a computer that had a "b" socket on it...and every flash drive I've ever seen used an "a" style plug.

Thanks for everybody responding. The link provided also explains the speed difference, which is quite big:

"In other words, all the USB 2.0 hubs in the world won't help my old laptop computer, which has built-in USB 1.1 controllers. I'll have to add a PC Card-based USB 2.0 controller, or buy a new laptop that has a USB 2.0 controller built in. Hi-Speed USB 2.0 devices will work fine when they're plugged into an older USB 1.1 controller—but they'll run at only 12 Mbps, instead of the full 480 Mbps."

Next question: I have some older 256 Mega sticks. How can I tell if it is a 1.1 or 2.0???

Plug it in. Or look for a USB 2.0 on it, if its not there, then it's a 1.0.

Or look for a USB 2.0 on it, if its not there, then it's a 1.0.

If it says USB 2.0, I think he could figure that out on his own. My 2.0 one gigabyte stick has no markings on it at all. If you don't know who made it, I don't know of a way to tell other than plugging it in.

If it says USB 2.0, I think he could figure that out on his own. My 2.0 one gigabyte stick has no markings on it at all. If you don't know who made it, I don't know of a way to tell other than plugging it in.

But appearances can be decieving, no ? So, just plug the damn thing in.

Yeah I figured that I have to plug it in. Otherwise there is no way to tell, except that anything newer than 2 years is most likely 2.0....