Most people want to know how to preserve and backup important photos, videos and data files. Archiving options are constantly changing. Archiving is a huge industry offering solutions well beyond the requirements of hobbyists. But for hobbyists who need to get some order into their collections, here is some basic information.
- Don't back up to DVDs or CDs - they are now old technology and you risk being stranded as technology continues to change. Data can also become corrupted over years.
- Don't use large capacity USB sticks. They are portable devices not storage units.
What are my basic options?
- The simplest and usually adequate option for the hobbyist is a high quality portable mega-terrabyte drive attached to your own laptop or computer. You can do your own research on these "personal cloud storage" options. If you are storing video as well as high resolution photos you will eventually need several: video files are LARGE.
- These days many people are backing up to "The Cloud", tech-speak for a vast array of high-capacity overseas computers that cover city blocks. These services usually have to be paid for, though many offer minimal storage for free. DropBox, Microsoft One Drive, Google Drive are examples. But they are off-site.
- As at 2025, M DISC capable drives are still available and considered reliable. Like all optical discs, M DISCs are still susceptible to scratches, breakage, fire and theft, and rely on working optical drives being available to read them. They have been rigorously tested and are agreed to have between 100 and 1000 years of life, but they are expensive and a supply chain has to be found - and also - as time passes - a player?
