Safeguarding Your Digital Legacy The Critical Role of Data Backup

Safeguarding your digital legacy, in an age where data loss can be a significant concern, many have turned to cloud storage solutions like Apple’s iCloud and Google One to safeguard valuable photos and files. The convenience of cloud storage lies in its ability to instantly sync your pictures across all devices, creating a seamless experience where your data feels omnipresent—a modern marvel of digital technology. However, despite this convenience, it’s crucial to understand the importance of maintaining multiple backups to ensure data security.

Why Multiple Backups Are Essential

Recent events, such as the Microsoft Windows outage last week, highlight the necessity of having more than one backup solution. Storing files only in the cloud might not suffice. If primary storage fails, multiple backups ensure data safety. Experts suggest a three-pronged approach: use cloud storage, backup on SSDs, and keep an additional copy remotely. Brent Ellis, a Forrester senior analyst, highlights that diversifying backup locations protects against scenarios like house fires. One backup might be compromised in such cases.

Recent events underscore the need for multiple backup solutions to protect data from diverse failures, according to wsj discount.

SSDs vs. HDDs Choosing the Right Storage

When it comes to choosing between solid-state drives (SSDs) and hard-disk drives (HDDs), SSDs come out as the superior option. HDDs, which store data on spinning discs, are more prone to damage from physical impacts. A drop can render an HDD useless, while SSDs are more durable and resistant to physical shocks due to no moving parts. SSD prices have dropped 90% in the past decade, making them a cost-effective long-term choice compared to cloud storage. The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD starts at $95 for 500GB. In contrast, cloud storage services like Apple and Google charge about $10 per month for 2 terabytes.

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Selecting and Using an SSD

When buying an SSD, choose reputable brands like Samsung and SanDisk, as tech experts trust them. For crucial files, it’s advisable to choose an SSD with at least double the capacity of your backup needs, generally 1TB or 2TB. Cheaper SSDs from lesser-known brands might be tempting but could jeopardize the safety of your most important files.

To transfer files to an SSD, download them from the cloud and organize them systematically. For Mac users, connect the SSD, open Finder, and drag files to the SSD. For photos in iCloud, download originals to your Mac via the Photos app, then export them to the SSD. This process ensures that file metadata, including the correct date and time of photos, is preserved. This careful approach to data management and backup will provide peace of mind and safeguard your digital assets from unforeseen failures.

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