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Flash memory stick or external hard drive for backing-up data files?

N

nine9s

Senior member
I back-up files monthly - just data files, reports, spreadsheets, Word files, favorites, mail etc., not whole system (just data stuff I would need if I had to reinstall O/S and programs.)


Currently, I put the backed-up files on an extra internal hard drive every month, then about every 3 months I copy the files to a CD to put in my bank safe deposit box. I am thinking of putting the files on an external source more often, and would rather not waste so many CDs, plus I could gain more storage space with a different option.


I am thinking of using a USB external hard drive or USB flash memory stick. Are either of those more reliable than the other? I have never had an external hard drive, but reading many forums and customer reviews, it does not seem they are very reliable (seem to have many problems.). USB flash memory sticks would be cheaper and I am not dealing with much data, so writing/reading speeds are not overly important to me.


So which is more reliable: external hard drive or USB memory stick? Or is there a third option I might be over looking?
 
Do you need the old backup once the new one is complete? If no I would suggest buying a couple of USB flash memory sticks and copy the data to both. Keep them in seperate locations so a fire/robbery etc will not destroy both and if one fails you will still have a backup. Other than that, have you looked at online (cloud) storage? It is guaranteed reliable and accessible from anywhere in the world.
 
Reliability will vary. For sure USB-flash sticks will be more rugged, but you're not storing this in an off-road vehicle or a jet fighter. 🙂

I'd stick on external hard-drives for price per GIG and buy two drives that you rotate. I recommend marking then 1st half/2nd half of the year, instead of two copies. At least that way you have two backups that are actual archives. Of course, whatever works best for you.
 
razel said:
Reliability will vary. For sure USB-flash sticks will be more rugged, but you're not storing this in an off-road vehicle or a jet fighter. 🙂

I'd stick on external hard-drives for price per GIG and buy two drives that you rotate. I recommend marking then 1st half/2nd half of the year, instead of two copies. At least that way you have two backups that are actual archives. Of course, whatever works best for you.
Click to expand...


Thanks. I only need less than 1 gigabyte. Would flash sticks be better - more reliable? Or can they lose data more easily? Do external drives have lots of hiccups (I am afraid of this from all the posts about problems with them)?
 
For the price of a hard drive you can buy 5 USB thumbdrives... So go with thumbdrives. Keep one in your house, one in the safe deposit box, one in the car, etc.
 
I actually use both... for different reasons.

I have 3 different sticks I use, putting different files (business, personal, taxes) on each stick, using them to transfer data between my desktop and laptop, and as a quicky backup. I have never had a problem one with them and believe them to be quite reliable. They do bounce around in the drawer, and in the laptop bag when I'm on the road... but, as razel suggests... no jet fighter.

I also have a 500GB Seagate portable HDD, I have all 3 of my computers backed up completely on it. The only downside would be if my house went up in flames... it would along with my computers.

Given your usage, I would get 2 or 3 8GB flash drives and just rotate them through your backup cycle...
 
Something to think about- stick with your current method, I use a DVD for backup.

I backup whats TRULY critical to 1 dvd every year. I have dvds going back 6+ years, and I can still read the oldest one. I've actually needed them. But with only the oldest of DVD backups starting to (possibly) degrade after YEARS... I feel confident in this space saving (the size of a CD takes up 0 space), very reliable method..

that said, my MP3s and all that don't get a secure backup. But a lot of critical files, resume and so forth that really do mean something are pretty damn safe on a DVD. Cheap as hell too.

That said, I'm willing to lose everything outside of what I've deemed truly critical and limit myself to the 4.7GB. Outside of movies/mp3s/games, that's more than enough for me.

I usually put backups of 'critical' apps on it, but looking back at my 5 year old DVD backups, they rarely stand the test of time in being as important as you think. Example being some antivirus app I used to use (NOD32).. great but no need for it with MS Antivirus today.
 
superccs said:
How much data? check out dropbox.com
Click to expand...

Good suggestion.

Based on the OPs stated needs, he/she is backing-up small files and documents. A cheap cloud or online backup mechanism would be a good and cheap choice. Again, accessable anywhere and fire-proof. 🙂
 
nine9s said:
Thanks. I only need less than 1 gigabyte. Would flash sticks be better - more reliable? Or can they lose data more easily? Do external drives have lots of hiccups (I am afraid of this from all the posts about problems with them)?
Click to expand...

Damnn... less than a GIG. Flash drive it is, but two rotating backups.
 
Planned redundancy - several flash drives stored in different places.
 
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Standard USB sticks are not reliable for backing up data, I will discard this option.

An external HDD is a good option, however there's always the risk of a disk failure and you may lose some of your data permanently.

I think burning your data to DVDs is your best option: it's reliable and very cheap.

There's also the option of using 2 HDDs in RAID1 (2 mirror HDDs), however is much more expensive.
 
superccs said:
How much data? check out dropbox.com
Click to expand...

If the data is important/confidential, I wouldn't use dropbox without at least SOME encryption /security on your own

http://paranoia.dubfire.net/2011/04/how-dropbox-sacrifices-user-privacy-for.html

They use file hashes to avoid duplication (which means if you have the same file as someone else, its only stored once)... so even if "Your files are backed-up, stored securely, and password-protected," having the file linked to someone else means that other people can un-password-protect that file 🙁


and dropbox glitches, login without password

http://news.cnet.com/8301-31921_3-2...onfirms-security-glitch-no-password-required/
 
Encrypt your files in truecrypt container then use two or more cloud services (Google Docs, SkyDrive, Ubuntu One or DropBox or whatever). Keep a copy or two on USB keys.
 
epuigvros said:
Standard USB sticks are not reliable for backing up data, I will discard this option.

An external HDD is a good option, however there's always the risk of a disk failure and you may lose some of your data permanently.

I think burning your data to DVDs is your best option: it's reliable and very cheap.

There's also the option of using 2 HDDs in RAID1 (2 mirror HDDs), however is much more expensive.
Click to expand...
+1. Agreed.
 
Thanks for all the tips. I think I'll go the DVD route. Now I am wondering what type of DVDs to use (DVD-R DVD+R DVD+RW, etc.) I know DVD+RW can be written, erased, re-written but I am confused about DVD-R vs. DVD+R.

I had 100 DVD-Rs I bought 2 years ago but my Sony DVD drive would not format them. That drive died when I tried to update its firmware today, so I got a new drive and bought some DVD+Rs (have not opened them yet.) The new drive formatted a DVD-R that I tried. I copied all my back-ups to that DVD-R and tested it on another computer - the other computer was able to read the files. So if DVD-Rs are okay to use,I'll use them and take back the unopened DVD+Rs.

Are DVD-Rs okay to use? Or are they not as reliable/widely read by other computers as DVD+R?

What are pros/cons of DVD-R?

Thanks again for all the help.
 
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nine9s said:
Thanks for all the tips. I think I'll go the DVD route. Now I am wondering what type of DVDs to use (DVD-R DVD+R DVD+RW, etc.) I know DVD+RW can be written, erased, re-written but I am confused about DVD-R vs. DVD+R.

I had 100 DVD-Rs I bought 2 years ago but my Sony DVD drive would not format them. That drive died when I tried to update its firmware today, so I got a new drive and bought some DVD+Rs (have not opened them yet.) The new drive formatted a DVD-R that I tried. I copied all my back-ups to that DVD-R and tested it on another computer - the other computer was able to read the files. So if DVD-Rs are okay to use,I'll use them and take back the unopened DVD+Rs.

Are DVD-Rs okay to use? Or are they not as reliable/widely read by other computers as DVD+R?

What are pros/cons of DVD-R?

Thanks again for all the help.
Click to expand...

several years ago, the DVD-R vs DVD+R debate was raging, due to different formats and brand loyalty. however, in 2012, this debate is moot as an modern optical drive will read both formats.

basically: use whatever you have and don't worry.
 
nine9s said:
What are pros/cons of DVD-R?

Thanks again for all the help.
Click to expand...
DVD-R may have better compatibility with older dvd players, however in your usage it will have no effect so it doesn't matter. Get whatever is cheaper. I personally use Verbatim media. Burnt about 1000+ of them. Cheap (100-Pack Spindle) and reliable.
 
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