saving photos

I tend to use a multiple copy approach.

- On my home storage server, which is a redundant disk array. If you don't have one, use an external hard drive. These are not perfect but a good first line of defense.

- Burned on DVDs/CDs. Don't get the cheapest ones. Also burn on two DVDs and store them in different locations. If possible, store one DVD in a bank box.

- Every 4-5 years re-burn your DVDs/CDs. They don't last forever.

The important thing is redundancy. Don't just keep one copy.


If you're really paranoid you can use a service like Carbonite. This is remote backup of your stuff. Basically a client on your machine sends off the directories you select to remote and highly redundant storage. These services aren't really that expensive.



As for burning at lower speed, I don't think that's really necessary. Any CD burning software worth its salt will tell you if the burn didn't go off perfectly.

I actually never seen my CD-burner burn a CD-rom at 52x, I'm not even sure that is possible at least not all over the disk (since at constant rate of revolution the inne part of the disk should be conciderably slower than the outer part). And if I remember correctly mythbusters actually managed to shatter a CD-rom disk 23000 RPM which is well below the RPM at 52xref.speed.


As far as storage is concerned I tend to agree with axptguy38, the best option is to use different media to backup the same copy. _ALL_ formats have limited life span, so continuously copying and backing up data is a _must_. If you are really serious about long time storage you better get a tape-backup. T10000 tapes have a life time of 30 years or so..

:-) You can buy a external USB DAT/DDS-tape backup for around USD800: HP STORAGEWORKS DAT 72. I'm not sure if that is what you need tho, DVDs and CDs is IMHO by far the most convienient way for you to back up data. You just have to cycle the backup procedure every 3d year or so.

"Something which is also user friendly, like to connect to pc with usb cable and thats it"


The manufacturers would like you to think it's this simple, but the technologies involved are evolving very fast and even a modern PC isn't something I would exactly call mature, like say a TV.


So I'm afraid there aren't any easy answers. But I will say Carbonite (from what I've hearD) makes life pretty easy. It's all supposed to be automatic after the first setup.