which is more reliable storage device , CDs, Dvds..., for life long?

Question

storage device other than Hard disks.

Answer 1

BLUE-RAY The new technology

Answer 2

Recordable (and especially rewritable) optical media are of varying reliability for long term storage of data. Some have been shows to last for quite long periods while others can fail in a matter of a few months.

It is inevitable that all optical media will degrade because they use dyes to store data and these dyes decay over time. How you store your disks can have a large impact on how long they last (keep them cool and at all costs out of sunlight, be careful what you use to label them as chemicals in inks can attack the disks). So can the make of the disks - though it does not at all follow that the most expensive are the best.

In general CD media are more reliable because (a) the information density on the disk is lower (so there can be more degradation before they become unreadable) and (b) the dye technology is more mature.

However, the golden rule is that if its important to keep it then re-record it from time to time - do not rely on optical recordable media as being archivally reliable.

Answer 3

DVDs is soon going to rule out CDs. cds have hardly have a capacity of 700 mb where as DVDs start from 4 gbs which is like almost 6 times that of a cd and DVDs are more durable for sure

Answer 4

CD or DVD is similar in term of durability. The different is on capacity. CD can have as much as 700 MB of data, whilst DVD can have 4.7 GB (single layer) up to 9.4 GB (dual layer).
Most important thing is that you must have at least 3 (three) set of backup media and place each of them in separate building, as to 'survive' when your office or house is on fire.
Please update both backup media at least once a month.

Answer 5

good quality cd/dvd are good for life time
but there is wear and tear in that too
the more you use ... more chances of it to loose data or the dis getting corrupted

so its better to make a master dvd/cd
and always use clones for normal use if you really want the data to be stored for a very long time

Answer 6

I truthfully have extra production unit made cd's and dvd's, because of the fact I dont particularly understand to a thank you to make or burn my very own cd's... I actual have some selfmade, yet they have been given to me or offered on ebay...

Answer 7

Definitely dvd

Answer 8

DVD has more life then CD’s, it can also store 4.7 GB of data. DVD is more durable compare to CD’s.

Answer 9

Pen drives