Taking Care of Your Backup Media

The IT market is flooded with every kind of backup media like tape, DVD, CD, Zip drives, floppies etc. Every device available comes with its set of pros and cons.

Backup Media Degradation

Backup media are extremely susceptible to damage and are failure-prone. They are vulnerable to damage by environment (heat, sunlight, humidity, liquids and dust) and rough handling by users. Magnetic backup media can also be damaged by the electromagnetic fields. Further, because of their size and mobility, they can be easily stolen. Therefore, manufacturers continuously strive to arrive at a product that can overcome most of the drawbacks.

Optical Storage Solutions

Optical discs are a popular storage medium. Backup media like CD-Rs and CD-RW are both inexpensive and convenient which are important to the average user. They also come with enough storage space to be an attractive storage device. While they may not be considered a cutting edge technology, optical backup media are practical and solid. They definitely have a future ahead of them.

Optical disks come with their drawbacks. A user will have to buy a compatible drive if the computer doesn’t come with it. One can accidentally write over data on a disc and lose files that have been backed up. They are also susceptible to scratches and rough handling.

USB Flash Drives

A USB flash drive is becoming increasingly popular as a dependable backup medium. It is like a small hard drive which can be connected to a computer through a USB port. It is between 2-3 inches long which makes it extremely portable. Apart from their portability, the unique selling point of a USB drive is that it can hold up to 2GB of data. It is very hardy and files can be saved, modified and deleted as often as one wants. Further, it includes download and backup software.

Since it has so many great features, it is difficult to pinpoint a major drawback with this storage device. It may not be as affordable as optical disks and, therefore, common users may not use flash drives. Also, because of its size it is easy to misplace.

Floppy Disks

Floppy disks are probably one of the first storage devices that were available to computer users. Initially, when storage requirements were not immense, floppy disks suited backup needs. They were also very cheap and easily available. However, with time the floppy disk has more or less reached the end of its tenure and the storage capacity it offers is just not enough for modern needs. New computers, in fact, do not even have floppy drives built in.

Caring for Backup Media

Even the hardiest of the backup devices that are available is susceptible to damage, if not handled properly. With optical discs, users have to store them in clean and dry areas and handle them gently. It is useful to label them and stack them with a little distance between each to prevent scratches. It is important how one archives storage media for it to last. Also, since most optical disks have a shelf life, one must take regular backups of the backups.

Flash drives and zip drives are hardier than optical discs but they too have to be handled with care. One has to attach them to some sort of handle or strap so they can be held on to and not displaced. Again, they need to be kept dry and in cool environments to prevent damage.

Online Backup Options

Since one cannot always protect devices from uncertain conditions like natural disasters, there are new backup options that have become available. Online or remote backup is gaining popularity as a safe option. The advantage of remote or online backup is that companies, who offer the service, take over the process of backing up data, its encryption, restoration and access. Large corporations find comfort in remote backup, as it also offers protection against data theft.

Conclusion

Backup is important. There are no two ways about it. People through trial and error find a backup medium that suits their storage needs. As long as they maintain backup media well and do not subject to too much wear and tear, most storage media will serve a customer well.