If I want to backup really important files that I would never want to lose, such as digital photos and songs from a very memorable moments, would burning them to DVD, a reliable option? Do they really get corrupted after a long time? What if I get a high quality DVD and store it in the case all the time?
How about external hard drives? Do they get erased too?
2006-07-28 09:37:23 · 8 answers · asked by ? 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Programming & Design
CDs are a real gamble. You might have it go bad after 2 years! DVDs use similar technology, so you may encounter the same problem. in the end, for long term storage, there isnt a single method im aware of that is cheap and highly reliable. That is why Id say store it in 2 places. I would say burn a CD or DVD, store it in a place with no sunlight and a fairly constant temperature, and thats 1 solid method.
Then you can keep it on a hard drive (in a different location than the CD or DVD), or find some online storage (email boxes are very big these days). Backup tapes are expensive but very reliable, in my line of work we have to keep our backups for 7 years, and have never had a failure with a properly stored tape.
2006-07-28 10:06:39 · answer #1 · answered by hezmana 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I backup to DVD with the expectation that in 5-10 years, I will be converting all of those DVDs to a much smaller format. Fortunately, this process seems to get quicker and quicker. My backups are quick enough that I make duplicate backups for very important files. Also, network server storage is inexpensive and getting cheaper. That's a great place to store items, especially if you have a fast internet connection.
Regarding media files, I backup the originals and avoid backing up copies in an effort to save the max amount of original data, hopefully preventing file corruption.
External hard drives seem convenient, but also seem like an expensive option for about the same level of data security.
2006-07-28 09:47:07 · answer #2 · answered by JB 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
CDRs can last anything from 4 to 30 years, depending on the quality of the media and how it's stored. Try to buy phthalocyanine discs (gold, light green bottom) rather than cyanine/metal azo discs (green, blue, dark blue bottom), as the dye will last longer. Kodak is usually a pretty good bet.
DVDs are probably a similar story, but there's less data available about the most reliable types, so you'll have to guess a bit.
Hard drives can go pop at any time. Not a good long term solution.
2006-07-28 09:50:38 · answer #3 · answered by Oli 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I keep almost all my really important files on DVD's as I often do things to make my computer crash. I've had some files on them for as long as a year, and I've never had a problem at all. It's extremely convenient not to have to download all my music again when my computer goes haywire. Another good alternative is to partition your hard drive and create a separate area on your computer to store things. That way, if Windows needs to be reinstalled, all your data is safe in a different directory. Good luck!
2006-07-28 09:45:47 · answer #4 · answered by Kyle 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Shelf life for a disc is 11 yrs
2006-07-28 09:40:38 · answer #5 · answered by Shockey Monkey 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes it is. But if you are going to be doing a backup regularly then CD's will not be a god idea.
2006-07-28 09:42:18 · answer #6 · answered by americanDesi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is very reliable, is will stay on there and, unless you scrach them, the files will remain unharmed.
2006-07-28 09:41:33 · answer #7 · answered by tylrmrtn7 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
iit is recommend you to backup in a pendrive. This will be rather simple and easy
2006-07-28 09:48:58 · answer #8 · answered by vinci-yvonne 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋