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Data Backup

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Options for Data Backup

I was challenged with the task of coming up with and writing about my most prized possession. My first response was a bit zen, "whatever I have can be replaced." Which is totally true; I thought of what I use most: my computers and camera, and I can replace the machines quite easily (with some insurance money ;). But I really can't replace the data created with them.

Thousands of photos, important information, passwords, contacts.... it's all digital.

So I went through the options for data backup and decided what technologies best suited my needs. Hopefully, this info will inspire you to backup your data.

image credit: Jim Whiting

A basic guide to popular devices and means of protecting your valuable digital data

A hard-drive crash from an infection or mechanical failure is an unlikely event, but it's a catastrophic one. Sure, backups can be time-consuming, but weigh the few minutes you might spend securing your data against the painstaking task of reconstructing it, or worse, losing it forever, and there's no question which is the preferred alternative.

CDs and DVDs aren't the only way to back up your data, nor are they the most convenient. The best method is the one that's easy enough that you'll actually do it, so keep that in mind as you decide which way to go. You'll also need a backup for your backup--one copy at your physical location and another offsite, in case of fire, flood, theft, or other disaster. Ideally, both should be continual and automatic. Here's a guide to the most popular methods:

Hard drives

Flash drives

Optical drives

Online backup services

Weighing the options: Pros and cons

[via Consumer Reports]

1 TB USB 2.0 Desktop External Hard Drive

Western Digital Elements

Western Digital WD Elements 1 TB USB 2.0 Desktop External Hard Drive WDBAAU0010HBK-NESN

Amazon Price: $105.00 (as of 05/26/2012)

WD Elements Black USB 2.0 external hard drive is an easy, reliable way to add more storage to your PC or Macintosh%uFFFD. Simply plug it in to a USB port and start saving or backing up your photos, music video and files. It's preformatted for immediate use. The compact, durable metal case provides extra data protection.

32 GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive

Kingston DataTraveler

Kingston DataTraveler 150 - 32 GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive DT150/32GB (Orange/Black)

Amazon Price: $31.50 (as of 05/26/2012)

DataTraveler 150 is a high capacity USB Flash drive containing 32GB of storage space for taking your files with you. Target Market: Ideal for corporate executives/professionals or consumers seeking a large storage capacity device. Product Highlight: 32GB of storage space at an affordable price. DT150 provides a great value for budget minded consumers.

Optical Drives & Media

CDs & DVDs

Free Online Data Backup

Feature-by-Feature Comparison Chart

Service

Free storage space

Additional storage

File size limit

ADrive

50 GB

Multi-account 50 GB at $6.95/month; 100 GB and up starting at $13.95/month.

None (apparently)

Box.net

1 GB

5 GB for $7.95/month; 15 GB for $19.95/month

25 MB free, 1 GB paid accounts

Drop.io

100 MB per "drop"

100 MB for free "drops"; 1 GB codes for $10/year

100 MB per "drop"

Dropbox

2 GB

50 GB for $10/month or $99/year

No limit for desktop-synced files; 350 MB through web interface

EatLime

1 GB with registration, 100 MB without.

N/A

Same as storage space.

Humyo

30 GB with sign-up; 25 GB must be media files.

100 GB for $60 first year, $80 each year after.

None

MediaFire

Unlimited

N/A; Pro account (with larger uploads) is $6.97/month.

100 MB with free account; 10 GB with Pro.

Mozy

2 GB

$4.95/month for unlimited space for home users.

None

Nakido

Unlimited (as advertised)

Oosah

1 TB of media files ONLY

Premium subscriptions available.

200 MB per video, 50 MB per audio file

Syncplicity

2 GB ( 100 MB for each friend referral) synced to two computers

40 GB and unlimited computers for $9.99/month.

None.

Windows Live SkyDrive

5 GB

N/A

50MB

Windows Live Mesh

5 GB

n/a

Unknown

[via Lifehacker]

Look who's talking...

About data backup

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