The Best Data Storage Solutions in 2021
Even if you don’t realize it, data surrounds us these days and is central to almost everything we do. From casual browsing on your phone to working at a desktop, most of our social and work structure involves some form of data transfer or production – often data we need to keep.
Of course, manufacturers can only build a finite storage capacity into our devices and, with the average person now producing around 1.7Mb of data per second, that space isn’t going to last long. Sooner or later, you’re going to need to look for other places to store those precious files.
From backing up photos to taking a copy of important work documents, here are some of the most common and best data storage solutions in 2021.
Desktop storage: Apple Time Machine and Windows Backup
Both Windows and Apple computers come shipped with back-up data solutions. Apple’s in-built Time Machine function has been available for many years, while Windows Backup was available from Windows 10 and up (i.e., 2015 onwards).
Both services work similarly by partitioning a section of your local drive and using it specifically for back-ups. Once installed, your machine will begin automatically backing-up everything you do, including keeping previous versions of files – which can be really useful if you accidentally overwrite something you’ve been working on.
Saving to external hard drives
Storing to an external drive can be a convenient option – particularly when working on a desktop or laptop. External hard drives come in two distinct types:
Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
HDDs use magnetic spinning disks to store data in small tracks (rather like an old record player). They feature distinct read/write heads, which change depending on the function they’re performing.
Because HDDs feature moving parts, they are more susceptible to long-term damage from bumps or drops – and are also slower than the other type of drive – SSD.
Solid State Drive (SSD)
SSDs feature no moving parts and, as such, tend to be far more durable and also quicker. SSDs use transistors in cells that can be flipped on and off quickly to store or read data.
SSDs are considerably quieter than HDDs and are normally the best choice for external storage from a durability point of view. Unfortunately, they also tend to be considerably more expensive than HDDs. SSDs also feature smaller-form pen drives and flash drives, which plug directly into your computer.
Printing
Printing might seem a slightly unlikely selection for data storage; however, it’s still a form of ‘saving’ data. A printed document doesn’t suffer any of the other problems commonly associated with digital storage (e.g., power surges, damage from drops, etc.). Also, a printed manuscript is accessible with or without power – and can be used without any kind of device.
CD/DVD storage
There was a time CD/DVDs were the predominant formats for backing-up files but, unless you use rewritable disks (marked with RW), you’ll end up with a fixed archive of data that can’t be changed. Also, their size and relative lack of capacity are slightly impractical compared to other storage solutions.
Cloud storage
By far, the most reliable way to back-up your files is by using remote or Cloud-based storage facilities.
Cloud storage essentially links your computer to an external network via the internet. Files are transferred between the two – either automatically or manually – using your web connection.
As the speed of our networks has increased over the years, Cloud storage has increasingly become the go-to solution for keeping files safe. Because your data is stored in a remote location, it is far less susceptible to the risks faced by your locally-stored data – i.e., physical drops, fire, or theft.
The Cloud storage market is growing massively, and companies like 24×7 IT Solutions offer comprehensive back-up solutions to companies of all sizes, regardless of geographic location.
Cloud storage can be used in various ways either as a remote file repository (for example, like an extra external drive used purely for storage) or as an automatic back-up service, syncing files as you change them locally.
