It is essential to make regular backups of your data. Unfortunately these maintenance operations are generally neglected, either for lack of time or knowledge. We offer a quick overview of the various storage media in order to secure all his photos for several decades..
The best storage media for long-term archiving
Photos, messages, videos, SMS, emails, documents, spreadsheets, music tracks Smartphone owners generate and store an increasing amount of data. But few of them care where they will store all this information.
It is a mistake to believe that all storage media are created equal. Digital data and in particular photos can disappear overnight. As the Australian writer Nikki Gemmell said: If there is one thing you can be sure of in life, it is that nothing lasts..
External hard drives, DVDs, USB keys, memory cards can help you keep your data safe. But beware they are not eternal. Their lifespan greatly depends on the quality of the parts used in their design.
It is therefore advisable to choose the technology used for its backups. Here is a small overview of the various storage media available to the general public at an affordable price..
CD, DVD and Blu-ray
Optical discs enjoyed their heyday in the early 2000s. Even if we still find them on the market, it has to be said that they have fallen into oblivion, no doubt justified.
The big problem with these supports comes from their relative reliability. They break, scratch and the photosensitive layer on which the data is engraved deteriorate over time. In addition, sudden temperature changes can cause deformation of the discs.
It is not uncommon for a CD or DVD to become completely unreadable a few years after being burned. In short, it is better to forget them. Besides, most computers today no longer have a disk drive.
Hard disks
When we talk about storage, we immediately think of hard drives. This device is by far the most popular backup medium for consumers. It is distinguished above all by its contained size (2.5 inch format), its large storage capacity and its very good price / gigabyte ratio. 
You can even connect an external hard drive directly to a smartphone.
Faster than optical discs, they are also much more reliable. Their lifespan is estimated at a decade. But beware, hard drives are fragile devices that hate shocks, vibrations and drops.
The slightest sudden movement can cause irreparable damage. A damaged read head or scratched platter can seriously compromise your data. You should therefore handle your hard drive with the utmost care.
The USB key
To keep your data as long as possible, make sure to store it on resistant and easy-to-use media. The USB keys represent today the most affordable solution to synchronize the data of his smartphone and in particular to copy the photos of his smartphone.
But beware, not all models are created equal. Keys in the shape of a little character that are found in mainstream stores for a few euros do not always offer the reliability and efficiency expected by consumers.
Personal photos are invaluable, do not hesitate to invest a few euros more in a USB key brand. Both throughput and reliability will be much better. Some large manufacturers do not hesitate to offer lifetime warranties.
USB keys are an attractive alternative to traditional hard disks that are much more bulky and display lower transfer speeds. But beware, these are fairly new devices. It is unclear whether they age well over time and when they will break down.
Online storage
Data storage in the cloud is now the ideal solution for storing personal data. Fast, economical and requiring almost no configuration is what makes the best in storage media.
Many large companies such as Amazon, Google, Microsoft or Apple offer online backup solutions. Before committing, check carefully the different subscription offers and if the amount of available space is sufficient.
Some services like Google Photos offers unlimited free storage space for photos not exceeding 16 megapixels. But beware, beyond this limit the photos will be automatically compressed. If you want to keep your photos in high resolution in their original quality, you will have no choice but to opt for the paid version.
Likewise, it should be understood that your data contains sensitive information. Placing them on a remote server is not necessarily without risk. No platform is immune to hacking of its security systems.
A hacker can take control of your account, download your data, erase it or even change your access codes. There are also privacy issues. People attracted by this type of storage should learn and read the conditions of use, especially for free cloud services.
In summary
The choice of your backup medium depends on many factors such as the size of the data to be synchronized or your budget. But whatever the device chosen, please check regularly the proper functioning of your equipment. Do not wait until your data is lost to act.
In terms of backup, several types of media should be used. Cloud, hard drives or USB key in case of accident, flood, hurricane or fire you will be sure to always have a viable backup of your data.
