Storage Devices
Many options are available for backing up your data. Each option comes with its own set of pros and cons. Determine which type of storage media works best for you based on your needs for data backup.
External Hard Drives
Ideal for backing up your entire computer or other large amounts of data, external hard drives are the cheapest, largest resource for backup storage space. Most are made from laptop or desktop hard drives and contain moving parts that can easily be damaged if the hard drive is moved around a lot.
Flash Drives
Due to their compact size and lack of moving parts, this data backup resource can easily be attached to key chains or placed in to pockets and transported anywhere. They work well for storing copies of school work and other files you would want to access from any computer.
Online Storage
If you do not have a physical hard drive to store data, online storage is an acceptable alternative. This can also be a convenient way to access school work from any computer. Storing files online can consist of e-mailing a file to yourself or uploading files to an online storage resource such as WebSpace or Austin Disk. Use of online storage requires an Internet connection to access files and can be limited by the speed of your Internet connection.
CDs and DVDs
Burning data to a CD or DVD for long-term storage is risky and dependent on a lot of variables such as the quality of the media, scratches, and the media’s exposure to high temperatures, humidity, and light. If you plan to store data longer than a few years, it is recommended that you keep your backup on an external hard drive.
