How to Choose Backup Devices

A multitude of information storage devices designed to back up or permanently house information are readily available on the market. Gone are the days of the floppy disk since flash drives, CDs, DVDs and memory cards have taken their place. Choosing a backup storage device is largely related to personal tastes, needs, abilities and resources of individual users.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Assess the amount and type of information to be stored. There is no end to the types and sizes of information storage devices available for the needs of computer and technology users. Knowing the exact needs and anticipating future needs is the best way to choose information storage devices accurately and in a cost efficient manner.
2. Choose a fitting, comfortable storage device. Jump drives or flash drives are one of the most flexible information storage devices available. Essentially, they have taken the place of the floppy disk as a place to store a variety of information and move it easily from one computer to another. The biggest difference between the two is the sheer size of storage space available on a flash drive in comparison to a floppy disk. In most cases, a flash drive has at least 128 times the storage capacity of a floppy disk.
3. Survey the prices. The cost of information storage devices is constantly falling as new technologies replace old ones. By watching for sales you may stumble upon great deals that just get better over time.
4. Know your hardware. Don't get so busy deciding which backup device to use that you ignore your computer's capabilities. If you choose to use a flash drive to back up your work, make sure that you have enough USB ports to accommodate the drive. Likewise, if you choose to burn material on a CD, make sure your CD burning software is in good working order.
5. Take advantage of technology that is still functional, even if it's no longer as popular. Don't discount technology that is out of fashion. Zip drives are similar to flash drives in that they accommodate large amounts of diverse information. However, zip drives are bulkier than a flash drive, and require a special zip disk reader that plugs into the computer's USB port. Because they've gone out of style, zip drives can be bought for very little money, and if you are backing up information for personal use with no intention of moving it to another computer, you can easily use your zip drive in your home without the need to upgrade.

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