Of the many file backup (documents/pictures) methods it seems the usual methods are either cloud storage, a little different but similar method of storing attachments in emails, backing up to cd/dvd or using an external hard drive. All these methods have potential problems: cloud storage can be compromised by hackers or the cloud company itself can go belly up; cd/dvd's can go bad over time just as external hard drives can as well. Some people choose to print out a hard copy of any document or picture. Of course, there's potential issues with that as well, such as potential privacy invasion or loss and destruction. In your opinion, what is the most reliable method to backup pictures and documents? If other than the method stated please post what you decide.
a) CDs/DVDs are relatively cheap and affordable for many but are unreliable in my experience. b) External hard drives have the same issue of 'failure' but are more reliable. They are slightly pricier but a better investment in the long run. It's easy to transfer and delete files and you have more control over your data. c) Cloud storage services are good for offsite backup. In the event that you lose your backup files (through the other means), there's a chance that you may retrieve them from the cloud storage. The primary concerns though are of privacy and data handling by the service provider and for how long they can survive in the market. If you are concerned, consider using them for those files which you don't deem sensitive enough to worry over or those files which you can afford to lose. d) Hard copies don't have the "technical failure" issue but documents can tear and pictures can lose their quality over time. Still, it's good to keep hard copies of legal/important work documents and pictures/photos that have sentimental value. Each has a potential to fail you so I'd say a combination depending on which ones fit your criteria (privacy, efficiency, time and costs, etc). True but it also depends on what you mean by WTSHTF. Imagine your house/place where you keep your hard copies gets burnt OR your toddler (or angry wife) tear your files OR your dogs ate them.
Of course the most reliable is to use as many as possible. As for most reliable single method, I would say hard copy stored in a secure offsite location.
I would say multiple external HDDs should be enough. Ideally 3 stored in different locations with backups of backups.
There are also fire resistant boxes that you can buy. I would definitely consider one of them for sensitive data/documents. Cloud storage is also a good option for non-sensitive documents such as family photos, etc... Personally I combine both external HDD and cloud storage.
I think one of the most reliable methods is hard copy. It's not invulnerable to physical damage though, so it is a good idea to use at least another backup method as well.
1. External HDD for all 2. DVD for photos 3. cloud for some documents. Items 2 and 3 are also in the external HDD, in this way I feel pretty safe.
Pretty much having the two back ups: 1. cloud storage such as google drive, skydrive or drop box 2. local copy either on actual laptop or external HDD I mean what are the chances that both your house is going to burn down and google storage facility will loose your data on the same day? For sensitive documents I would replace cloud storage with simple DVD back up in a fire resistant box or something like that.
My vote is for an external HDD. However you should make a backup to more than one drive, in case on drive fails. Cloud storage is probably a viable option, but I would much rather have data in my own hands than being dependant on a 3rd party.
4 USB hard drives (and I'm thinking of buying a fifth), for images and data. I do have DVDs as well but I won't use them anymore in the future as it is almost impossible statistically speaking for all the hard drives to fail simultaneously.
My vote is for CD/DVD sometimes you may get a bad burn but just burn it over "rare" then you have a permanent backup far more trustworthy that any other as long as you don't misplace the copy
I backup everything to an external HDD, but I burn all photos (as well as all other irreplaceable data and doc files) to archival grade DVD-R, which I then place in my safe-deposit box. Wendi
Multiple cloud services (DropBox,SkyDrive,Google drive) for pictures and multiple DVDs for important documents.
