How often do USB sticks get into irreversible disrepair? Should you own a backup of all your files?

Question

How often do USB sticks get into irreversible disrepair? As often as floppydisks? Should you own a backup of all your files?

Answer 1

ANY data you consider to be important should be backed up.
I have 2 RAID arrays that are nothing but backups.
As for your other question USB "stick drives" or pen drives usually have a MTBF of about 500,000 hours.
To put that in perspective, if there were only 2 sticks on the planet, and one failed after a million hours, and the other failed within the first hour, the MTBF would be 500,000 hours.

Answer 2

I had a Samsung USB, died within one year and all I did was transfer data, my hardware guy said it got corrupted coz I used it on too many machines?!! And yes U HAVE to back up all your files unless they arent important enough to save. If u are using a USB to carry info around its fine if its just for storage go in for an external memory drive.

Answer 3

I would not use a USB memory stick as a PERMANENT file storage; it is too easy to compromise (dust, dirt, static electricity, dropping, etc.). These devices are meant only for the the temporary storage and transport of data.

Answer 4

USB flashdisks malfunction if you drop them often or unplug them without safely removing them from the USB port. Otherwise, they're safe. I've been using mine for 5 years. I'm using a 256MB TwinMOS.

Do note that forgot that I left the damn thing in my pants one time. Threw my pants in the hamper. The it got WASHED! Dried it with a lamp after. It still functions till today! Amazing! Must be the air tight cap. No water went inside its circuitry. Hmmm. TwinMOS just got a free ad. But seriously. It still works till today. I already bought another one but I still use the old one till today. :D