Memory stick vs DVD

I'm wondering how reliable USB flash drives are compared to CD or DVD backups for "permanent" data storage.

Also, how do they compare in ease of use ?

Anybody who's used the two different formats ... could you comment on which you prefer.

thanks



edit: that was supposed to be flash drives - not memory sticks

 

I have five memory sticks/flash drives that I use for differing purposes - mainly for portability of files. I don't view them as permanant at all. I had one that quit working for no apparent reason. I plugged it in one day and got a message that the device couldn't be recognized - same message on 4 different computers. So I now back up my flash drives periodically on my PC.

I use CD/DVD for more permanant, off line, storage for files, photos and graphics. I view them as somewhat permanant. There is a shelf life for that media, though. I plan to get an external hard drive soon to use as backup for all the other stuff.

Flash drives are much easier for me to use because I use them similar to how floppy disks were used a few years ago - nothing to burn and no external program. I think there is a way to configure CD use in a drag and drop manner but I never pursued it.

 

virginia,

Flash drives is what I actually meant to say ... not sure why I said memory sticks.

I've read several articles on CD / DVD shelf life ... but I've got commercial music CD's I've had since they first came out. And some of my CD backups were burned 7-8 years ago.

What brand of flash drive do you use ?
Ever had any problems with them ?

~

 

So far, I am pleased with the flash drives I use - oldest one has been in use for about 3 years. Had one failure. Quick thumbnail of each:


1G Data Traveler (U3) - I use it as a portable hard drive with it's own OS, Firefox Browser with my favorites, Thunderbird E-Mail that lets me access my e-mail like a POP3.

1G Sony MicroVault - Use it for transporting files mainly. It has a file compression program (similar to ZIP I guess) that lets you compress files to 1/3 their size so the capacity actually comes close to 3G. I took it and my transfer cable on a recent trip to Australia/New Zealand. I was able to move my photos from my Sony digital camera to the Microvault and reuse the camera memory sticks.

SONY 512MB - My oldest one - use it to keep financial information, passwords, and other stuff that I don't want to keep on the PC permanantly. I back it up to CD.

1G MicroCenter (Freebie) - Went south after about two months use. I guess you get what you pay for.

Unknown 512MB (Freebie) - Only had it for a couple of months.

 

I've scanned a lot of old family photos and documents that "hopefully" will be passing on to future generations ... so 63 years might not be that far-fetched.

I'm planning on making several sets to give to different family members ... so I'm looking for sommething small and portable.

~

 

thanks for the info
I looked at the Sony Microvault.
They're reasonably priced and get good reviews on all the online retail sites.

~

 

True or not I don't know but I have bought a pack of 5 CD-R
Kodak long life 300 Year CD's. 24 carat Gold surface coat.

 

Hawk22,

Thanks for the mention of the long life CDs. I had heard about them but they were very expensive when I checked a couple of years ago. Just did some Googling and found several brands in the $2 per disk range - not a bad price for those files and photos that you really want to preserve. Memorex Gold also cited a 300 year life - like you say, who knows for sure.

sir gerald - apologies for muscling in on your thread.