Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 11-5. Backing up images to an external hard drive (© Getty Images)
It's a good idea to keep your digitally archived images stored in multiple locations. You can keep extra
copies on a CD-ROM, DVD, flash drive, or external hard drive in a safe-deposit box or with a trusted family
member. If the unthinkable, such as a fire, flood, or other disaster, occurs, at least you'll have copies of your
treasured memories preserved.
There is also the option of online data storage services (commonly referred to as the “cloud”). These
services have become popular in the past several years. There are a couple of noteworthy benefits, such as
the ability to share your photos anytime and anywhere you have Internet access. Also, they routinely back
up their data, so the risk of loss is small. However, I personally wouldn't feel entirely comfortable storing my
images on a cloud service exclusively. If you choose to use the cloud, I recommend using at least one other
method of storing your images.
Follow the same guidelines for storing electronic media as you would photographic materials—protect
your external hard drives, flash drives, and disks from temperature extremes and high humidity. Keep disks
safe and organized in archival sleeves or storage boxes.
How Long Will Digital Images Last?
It would seem logical to assume that digital images will last forever, but it's not necessarily that simple.
The digital storage devices of today might very well be obsolete in the not too distant future. Optical disks,
such as the CD-ROM and DVD, could suffer the same fate as VHS tapes. Even if there are devices that can
read them 20, 30, or 40 years from now, the data might become corrupted over time.
It will likely be a matter of migrating your images to the most current storage devices every few years.
If you have images stored on an older external hard drive, you might consider transferring them to one of
the newer, solid-state models (the data should be accessed about every six months, to avoid potential loss).
Images that are stored on old CDs (from the late 1990s or early 2000s) should be transferred to newer disks.
(There are archival-quality disks available that are estimated to last up to 300 years.)
If you have images stored in an online cloud service, what would happen if the company went out of
business? Or if your photos were accidentally deleted? I wouldn't bet that it couldn't happen (it probably
already has). The expression “Don't put all your eggs in one basket” comes to mind.
 
Search WWH ::




Custom Search