|
Storage type |
What is it? |
Pros |
Cons |
|
USB flash drive |
A flash drive is small enough to fit on a keychain and fits into any USB port. |
· Includes backup software
· Range of storage options
· Very easy to carry with you |
· You must invest in the hardware, and in some cases, disks as well |
|
Hard disk drive |
An external hard disk drive connects to your PC via USB or serial port. |
· Includes backup software
· Range of storage options
· Can store large amounts of information |
· You must invest in the hardware, and in some cases, disks as well |
|
CD-RW disc |
A CD-RW is a compact disc onto which you can burn information if you have a CD-RW drive (RW stands for "read-write"). |
· Many computers come with a built-in CD-RW drive
· CDs are inexpensive, small, and easily stored in safes or safety deposit boxes. |
· You need to buy a CD-RW drive if your computer doesn't come with one
· Can be tricky to get just the right amount of information onto a disc |
|
DVD-RW disc |
A DVD-RW is a DVD onto which you can burn information if you have a DVD-RW drive. |
· Many newer computers come with a built-in DVD-RW drive
· DVDs are inexpensive, small, and easily stored in safes or safety deposit boxes
· Can store more information than CDs |
· You need to buy a DVD-RW drive if your computer doesn't come with one
· The drive may not come with backup software |
|
Online backup and storage |
An online storage service lets you save files online. If you have Internet access, you can get your files from the online storage site whenever you need. |
· Automatically gets your information out of the house or office
· Includes download and backup software |
· You may be required to pay a monthly fee for backing up and storing your files
· If the company's servers go down, you may not be able to access your files
· If the company is hacked, your information could be stolen
· If the company goes out of business, you lose your backup resource |
