What’s Your Backup Method?

I’ve only been using a terabyte external hard drive for backing up my laptop and was wondering if any of you guys had more secure ways to save your stuff in case of failure.

These failures can be viruses, hardware corruption, or cyberattacks. Moreover backing up files regularly is important so I appreciate the answers you guys added to the discussion. The comments received are listed below and after these, I dive into deeper details about the advantages of each backup method.

1. Pros and cons
2. Cloud Storage
3. Physical backups
4. What is the best backup method?

Pros and cons

Yes, the guys have answers:

1. Mine is pretty simplistic. Google Drive has my important docs because Gmail is my main email, iCloud has my photos and music.
2. External is always good because one thing goes wrong with digital and “poof”, everything’s gone.
3. I would, however, suggest that you downgrade from a terabyte and switch to two 500gb hard drives. That way if one fails you don’t lose everything.
4. I use those and back up weekly to Gdrive and Dropbox.
5. I’ve got my photos on Flickr because my photographs are large files and Flickr is the only site I know that doesn’t compress photos when uploading, plus they’re easily displayed.
6. My docs are saved on a 16 GB flash drive I carry around with me, and my computer is backed up on a monthly basis since I don’t keep much on it to being with.
7. I agree that you should have a backup on an external hard drive, but fail-safes usually exist when uploading to clouds and such.

Cloud Storage

It is believed that Joseph Carl Robnett Licklider invented cloud storage drives in the 1960s. It wasn’t until the late 1990s and 2000s that cloud storage drives became commonplace. For instance, Amazon Web Services introduced its cloud storage service AWS S3 in 2006. Cloud storage products we know today like Box, iCloud, Dropbox, Onedrive, and Google Drive becoming so widespread recognition and adoption during this era both for businesses and for personal use.

Despite its popularity these days, cloud storage drives have drawbacks. You will find out that it can be very tedious to upload large datasets on a slow internet connection. So cloud storage drives are dependent on internet speeds and available bandwidths. Cloud storage providers are banking on customer trust. In the past, the have been cyber attacks but because of this numerous cloud storage provides are tenacious when it comes to privacy and security.

Backing up data to a cloud storage drive typically costs a monthly fee though some providers offer limited access for free. This could be an advantage to many rather than buying an expensive hard drive for personal use or for companies to buy their own independent servers. Files stored on the cloud are easily accessible from multiple devices so it makes it more convenient to store readily consumed files such as photos, videos, and audio. Files on the cloud are also easier to share without giving away your entire storage catalog. Cloud storage drives usually have no storage limits and when the given storage space is finished you can opt-in for more.

Physical Backups

External hard drives and servers are fast with a hardwired connection and they are not dependent on internet speeds. Before the rise of cloud storage, this was the preferred means of storing data, especially for big companies. External drives are perfect for keeping sensitive information but private cloud storage drives rival them.  Physical backups like flash drives and micro SD cards are versatile, they are handy and have enough storage to keep your most precious and portable files.

Even though physical backups may be immune to cyberattacks but they are prone to viruses, damages, or loss. They need regular maintenance and over the years, they will need to be replaced.

Another issue about physical backups is how much storage space you should get. Some say if you want a terabyte of storage space, rather buy 2 500 gigabyte hard drives. Diversifying your storage options is certainly a great idea.

What is the best backup method?

External hard drives and flash drives are always good because their security lies with you however good care and maintenance are required. Cloud storage is typically inexpensive and usually more dynamic. You can store files in the cloud and not care about losing them to theft. However, it is beneficial to combine both of these backup systems to ensure your files are not lost if one option fails.

   

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