| There are many different types of media you can use to backup
your data. What follows is a list of the most commonly used media.
Please note: It is assumed that the user will do their own
investigations prior to purchasing data storage media or hardware
to determine their requirements, technical compatibility and cost
viability.
CD-R/RW
CD Rom backups come in two formats, either write once (CD-R) or
re-writable (CD-RW). The difference being that with the CD-R it
can only burn an image to that disk once, making the backup permanent.
With a re-writable CD-ROM disk and drive, one can copy data to it
multiple times. It is important to note that you will require a
CD-R/RW burner in order to write to CD. CDs store on average 650-700MB.
Although there are disks which can store more data or less data,
you may need to see if your CD burner supports them.
CDs are cheap although rewritable CDs are slightly more expensive.
Price also varies greatly based on the manufacturer, where you purchase
them, how fast they can be written to and how much they store. An
average CD can store over 450 times more data than a single floppy.
However, despite the greater storage capacity, many people - particularly
graphical artists, musicians or people manipulating large volumes
of data, a CD is simply not enough to store all their data.
Strengths:
Cheap. Compact storage. Store far more data than a floppy. CD-RW disks can be re-written
to multiple times. Weaknesses: Can be damaged
if not taken care of. Susceptible to scratching and heat - relatively
fragile. Some can only be written to once, can take up a lot of
space, may not be enough for people using lots of data.
DVD
DVDs are fast becoming the standard storage medium. Much like
their CD predecessors, the cost of DVD disks varies greatly based
on manufacturer, storage capacity, speed at which they can be written
and just how protected they are.
They can store far more data than a CD. The average DVD can store
4.7 GB, which is more than seven times the amount a single 650MB
CD can hold. The new DVD-RAM disks or double sided DVDs can store
double that yet again.
Much like the CDs, you will need a DVD burner in order to write
to DVDs. It should also be noted that there are two format of DVDs
- DVD-R and DVD+R. This conflict in standards has confused several
people - there is no difference in the disks themselves however
the recording format used on the two is different. You will need
to determine what disks your DVD burner will accept if you plan
on using DVD to backup your data. Otherwise you run the risk of
buying disks you cannot use.
Strengths:
Store far more than a CD. DVD-RW disks can be re-written to multiple
times. Weaknesses:
Can be easily damaged if not taken care of. Susceptible to UV,
scratching and heat - relatively fragile. Conflicting standards.
Cost prohibitive for some people. Some disks cannot be re-written
to.
USB Drives
If portability is of chief importance to you in your search for
backup media, then it is hard to look past USB drives. Taking advantage of the Universal Serial Bus which are
built into almost every new computer today, these devices are easily
recognisable by nearly all operating systems - can plug straight
into your machine and be used to copy files immediately. Unlike
a DVD or CD, no drives are required to use a USB device. If your
computer has a USB port, chances are you can plug almost any USB
device into it.
Much like a rewritable disk or hard drive, you can
copy files to and from a USB drive quickly and easily. The USB flash
drives today fit on a necklace, keychain or in your pocket, taking
up less room than a CD or DVD.
For most people, this is the best reason of a USB drive - portability
and ease of use. These devices are small, portable and can be accepted
onto almost any computer so long as it has a USB port.
Strengths:
Portability and ease of use. Very durable. Can store almost as much,
if not more than a CD or DVD, depending on the device type. Weaknesses:
Cost more than almost any other storage medium. The USB Hard drives
are also the largest of different backup mediums suggested here.
If you would like more information regarding possible methods of
backing up your files, contact your
nearest computer or electronic
retailer or send a request to the ITS
Service Desk.
Backup Instructions
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