storage media, DVD DL or regular?

[thebeyonder]

which is more reliable for storing data, dual layer 8Gb or regular 4.5 Gb DVD's?

for example, I know RW's aren't reliable for long term storage. but I need to know which kind of DVD-R to use.

 

[oynaz]

DL's are much more expensive. In my opinion, they are too expensive to considered for storage media. Buy a HDD (or two for extra reliablity) instead.

 

[gsellis]

It really depends on the mfgr. DVD life for writables has not met the standard for length, especially with cheap versions. Go with something like Taiyo Yuden media. Also remember that a DVD video has fault tolerance and can handle some degeneration while executables and data do not (every 1 and 0 count).

 

[Eeezee]

I would recommend an external hard drive, instead. It's easier and more efficient to backup your media that way.

Having made a lot of backups, single layer would be more reliable - only use dual layer if you have a file that won't fit on a single-layer disc. Make sure no matter what you use that you buy good media.