Re: OT: flash memory longevity?

On Thu, 21 Jun 2007 16:18:54 +0000, Shadow_7 wrote:

Makes me wonder how you stored the CDs.

I stored the CDs in their jewel case which then were kept in their
original 10-CD pack cardboard box. That box was kept in an office shelf.
They weren't lying around or kept in any damped environment. Just you
regular 90%-ish humidity level, 20 to 30 degrees centigrade office.

CDs seem to be sensitive to UV light. They're supposed to last 18
months. Although I'm sure some last longer than that, and shorter than
that. I personally don't trust my backups a media type that has a 25% or
higher failure rate at creation time.

One would think that solid state storage devices like flash drives would
last a while. But as far as value ($$$ per GB) hard disks are better.
$1 per GB or less versus $50 per GB. If portability and size are issues,
then I guess it's worth the expense. Personally I haven't found a need
to go that route myself. I can ftp data on/off my laptop with a 60GB
hard drive at no extra costs. A laptop that costs as much or less than
the largest of those sticks (8GB/16GB).

I have to question your numbers. First, 250gb and larger hard drives are
routinely under $100 now. Second, CDs and DVDs come for around $20 per
stack of 25 to 50 which puts them in the $0.50-$1.00 or lower range - not
really that much difference; and 2gb flash drives are about $20 now,
making their cost significantly less than $10/gb and even less on larger
sizes.

I also back my stuff up to an external USB drive which should have a
fairly long life since I don't use it that much, but enough to keep it
'limber'.



Redundancy is the only reliable route with needed backups. Multiple
copies in case one or more gets messed up. One local and one off site at
a minimum. Nothing like a good fire or terrorist attack to whipe out 20
plus years of infrastructure.

.

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