Security and Durability of Data Backup Devices

by: jameswalsh
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Data plays a vital role in several aspects of our lives and, therefore, one can ill-afford to lose it. While backup options do not prevent data loss from occurring, one at least has a copy on hand. Over the years backup storage media has evolved to meet the increased storage needs of users. There is no perfect backup storage medium but some are definitely better than others.

USB Drives

USB drives are the new-age backup storage media. Technology changes at a rapid pace and the demands of users grow at even faster pace. Therefore, it is a little difficult for manufacturers to stay ahead of the storage media game. However, there are some storage devices whose advantages far out weigh the disadvantages and offer a well-rounded option. The USB drive is one such option that manages to satisfy most user needs for storage.

The biggest benefit of a USB drive is that it has great storage capacity, which is perfect for users who work with increasing volumes of data. The USB drive is also an extremely versatile device, allowing almost any computer to access it. To add to its extra storage space and adaptability, USB drives have the added advantage of being small and, therefore, portable. Since users are often on the move, portability of a storage medium is almost mandatory.

USB drives have extremely advanced technology, which is almost identical to that used in laptops. This makes it a very reliable storage device with a fairly long lifespan ahead. While they may not be entirely indestructible, USB drives are hardier than most other storage media and not easily susceptible to damage. They are also easily available.

If there is any disadvantage to the USB drive, then it is its size. Being small in size, it can be easily misplaced which would mean that data will be lost permanently. While it is not extremely expensive, it is one of the more expensive options available to common users.

Optical Disks

Optical disks, i.e. CDs and DVDs are still the most commonly used backup media. From its original audio playback version, introduced in 1979 to the current day data storage media, CDs have come a long way. The initial bulky and expensive versions were tweaked and by the early 1990s CDs became a prominent player in the storage device game. However, with time, an even more advanced medium was required, which led to the introduction of DVDs. The DVDs could store about 13 times the volume of a 700MB CD. This initial device was further improved on to make it a more versatile medium.

The significant advantages of optical disks are their adaptability and availability. The average user is more than happy with CDs and DVDs as a storage device. They are inexpensive and are adaptable to most computers. Since they are easily available, it is an extremely convenient option. Optical disks are constantly being improved on to keep up with modern storage demands and can give many backup options a run for their money.

The biggest drawback of optical devices is that they do not have the versatility of media like USB drives. They are also extremely susceptible to damage and require high maintenance. They also have a definite shelf life and have to be changed at regular intervals.

Tape Drives

Tape drives are the perfect archival storage media. It has stood the test of time and can keep up with many of today’s media when it is provided with a constant stream of media. All backup options understand tape which makes it fairly versatile. It can also be taken off-site and, therefore, is relatively portable.

The most significant disadvantage of the tape drive is that, being streaming devices, they cannot be simultaneously shared by two servers.

Portable Hard Drives

Portable hard drives are the answer to nearly every backup need. As the name suggests, it offers the hard drive options with the added advantage of being portable. The technology used is of a very high calibre. They are also hardy and easily available. Considering their vast storage capacity and adaptability, the portable hard drives are not very expensive.

Portable hard drives can suffer from similar disadvantages of hard drives and are susceptible to fluctuations in temperature, rough handling etc. However, if maintained carefully, it is a great storage option.

About the Author

James Walsh is a freelance writer and copy editor. If you are concerned about data loss and would like more information on Data Recovery see http://www.fields-data-recovery.co.uk

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