A compact flash card reader is highly useful if you need to transfer media from one device to another. They're useful especially if you take digital pictures and video, and your computer doesn't have an appropriate slot for your memory card. Having a compact flash card reader gets around this problem by plugging directly into a USB slot.

Card Readers come in a variety of different sizes and types. Some are small and simple, but are compatible with only one kind of card. Others are larger, come with LED lights, and are compatible with multiple cards.

They also come in variable speeds—some are scarcely different than if you were able to plug your card directly in your machine, and others provide faster speeds. What you choose would depend on your needs. Do you only take photos of family gatherings and such? You probably don't need a high speed card. On the other hand, if you're a professional photographer who has to transfer lots of pictures and video, you might opt for the high speed versions.

Either way, if your computer has plug and play compatibility, chances are you won't have to search the Internet for appropriate software to use a card reader. Just plug it in, and your computer will take care of the rest.