File Back Up System for long term storage
I'm wondering how you all back up your data on your computers. I currently use icloud and Google Drive as redundant cloud storage for pictures and videos...and... I recently lost some videos on t...
Forum Discussion
Gdetrailer wrote:
The problem lies in the DYES, PRESSED optical media does not rely on DYES and therefore is much more "stable" than any BURNED optical media.
Optical media dyes can and will change/fade over time, the normal response when burnable media came out was 50yrs.. In reality, in 50yrs the dyes will most likely have broken down and no longer readable..
Optical burning drives also play a hand in the situation, a older worn out drive will result in a weaker laser burn, result is the same as leaving the disc out in light..
You hit the issue of dye stability (and manufacturing processes) on the mark. That's why "archive" quality optical discs should be used for long term storage. Plus, light exposure is only one factor as discs need to be stored vertically, in temperature/humidity controlled conditions to maximize useful life.
Even "museums", Government/businesses KNOW better than to completely depend on optical media.. They ALSO use OTHER types of media, back a few years it was digital tape backups which were sent to UNDER GROUND STORAGE SITES.. Now days many have been shifting to HARD DRIVE BACKUP SYSTEMS which feature hot swap hard drives as a main backup system..
Never said that was the only type of archive storage museums use. Digital tape backups are more volatile to long term degradation, and an outdated technology as you know. And I don't know of anyone seriously considering hard drive storage a viable archive medium, as now you're dealing with mechanical longevity of non-use and magnetic stability subject to humidity/temperature issues? If you can provide research data as to their superiority, I'm sure museums would like to know. Including the one I work for currently. The largest museum in the world?
