----- Original Message -----
Sent: Saturday, March 16, 2002 8:18
PM
Subject: Re: Storage
It still seems an act of faith to retrieve the
file some years from now. But...I still have the negative and could
always start over. My own method is to use CD's instead of DVD's...too
much stuff is lost if a DVD has a problem. As I work on a portfolio, I
save the raw scan and the print to CD. My files are not huge, so that
lets me save 2-3 images per CD. The portfolio then gets copied, with one
set in the studio and another stored offsite. I have a stash of Kodak
gold CD's, and will have to find a replacement when those run out. I can
tell you from experience that with hard drives you must have a backup
plan. At the firm, we use digital tape and duplexed servers. At my
firm, we are now investigating Citrix servers and have retained an
experienced consultant for that and for going "paperless", actually
"paper-reduced". The advice we are getting is that the multiple CD
archives, even with the best media, must be migrated every five years to new
CD's or whatever exists then. Of course, these are critical files that
cannot be compromised. With these, the offsite storage must meet strict
criteria for temp, humidity, etc. For my photo work, I think my simple
plan is OK -- as soon as possible archive finished work to at least two CD's,
one stored offsite. Hope this makes sense.
--Ken Carney
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, March 14, 2002 11:50
AM
Subject: Storage
Waht do people use for archiving thir precious
digital files now? Does anyone know the presumed longevity of hard
drives, CDs, and DVDs. Which one gives the most reliable long-term
storage, and are there any brands which are better tahn others. I've
been using the Kodak Silver/Gold Cds, but they are no longer making
them. I'm also using hard drives, but am not sure how long they are
supposed to last. DVD is still quite expensive.
Thanks,
Kay
Simon