GeekSpeak for July 02, 2004
Long-Term Storage Strategies and Technologies
Steven Schuchart Jr., analyst with Current Analysis and Contributing Editor for Network Computing Magazine, recently wrote an article called State of the Art: Long-Term Storage Strategy for Network Computing. In it, he discusses the limits of current storage solutions, the inevitability of hardware and software obsolescence and the evitable data migration that bad backup decisions create. Just how can individuals, companies and enterprises ensure future access to critical archived data and what technologies are available today to make the entire process painless? Join Steven and the geeks to discuss home storage and backup solutions this Friday on GeekSpeak.
[ Audio 10.4 MB mp3 ]Introduction
Steven Schuchart Jr., analyst with Current Analysis and Contributing Editor for Network Computing Magazine, recently wrote an article called State of the Art: Long-Term Storage Strategy for Network Computing. In it, he discusses the limits of current storage solutions, the inevitability of hardware and software obsolescence and the evitable data migration that bad backup decisions create. Just how can individuals, companies and enterprises ensure future access to critical archived data and what technologies are available today to make the entire process painless? Join Steven and the geeks to discuss home storage and backup solutions.
Show Notes
Nero is recommended for burning data to CD-R/RW and DVD+R/RW or DVD-R/RW discs. With Nero, you can archive your data, make a video CD or DVD, make a Photo CD or Slide Show, make a Backup of your personal data and even copy DVD movies using Nero Digital
Smaller USB flash devices and flash cards are great for moving data between computers quickly. They are typically are available in 32MB to 256MB sizes and can even run into the gigabyte range. However, don't count on these devices for critical data as they are not reliable backup solutions.
DVD burners, either DVD-R/-RW or DVD+R/+RW, are both good backup solutions for home users. Drives that support both standards are readily available today at good prices. Both formats hold approximately 4.7GB of data and both take about an hour to burn a full DVD disc at 1x speed. As noted on the show, DVD media does not last as long as people expected. Only use branded CD and DVD media from companies that you recognize – it can make the difference when storing data over long periods of time. Also, even though error-correction technology on DVD discs is nearly 10 times better than CDs, the higher compression used by DVD makes scratches in the media more of a problem compared to CDs, which is why DVD discs should be handled carefully. As for which format is better, the argument depends on what article you are referring to and who you are speaking with as the two formats were actually two warring factions until the new multi-format drives arrived. Compatibility is now just dependent upon choosing the right type of DVD media based on your other DVD hardware needs.
To increase the compatibility of your CD and DVD discs with older drives, use the 'Write once or Finalize CD' feature; even though it means no further writing to the disc is possible, it will increase compatibility. This feature is best used when filling a CD or DVD completely. Use the 'Multisession disc' feature when you want to add more data to the disc at a later time.
Always take the time to catalog the data you backup onto CD and DVD. This is very important, especially later after you have stacks of discs as there just is never enough space for proper written labels on the top of the disc media.
Some Cateloging Software
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CD Storage Master is professional CD catalog and CD database software that tracks the file name, size, creation time, modify time and other metadata like MP3 ID3 Tags, image file width, height and color, DVD-Video chapters and more. It can also extract file information from compressed archive files.
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Advanced File Organizer from SoftPrime is disk cataloging software that organizes CD and DVD disc collections. It allows you to find files within just a few seconds without need to insert discs into the drive.
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Advanced Disk Catalog uses an explorer-like interface which allows you to catalog your drives: floppies, CD-ROMs, ZIP disks and more. With it, you can organize volumes, folders and files into categories; analyze ZIP, ARJ, RAR, CAB and ARC archives; add comments to each file, folder and disk; search for files and folders using file name or your own comments (with wildcards), limiting the search results by date, size and category and more.
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Media Universe Free is freeware that is a completely functioning CD organizer, allowing you to perform the basic tasks regarding the management of your CD collection. With it, you can create and maintain a virtual CD database, track your CD loans, and work efficiently with categories. A larger and more functional version with more features called Media Universe x Net is also available but for a fee.
Interview Guest: Steven Schuchart Jr.
Steven J. Schuchart Jr., joined Current Analysis in 2004 as a Senior Analyst of Enterprise Infrastructure, where he is responsible for analysis of Ethernet switching and storage networking. Prior to joining Current Analysis, Steven served as the Technology Editor for Network Computing Magazine and oversaw the Storage and Server Technology section of the publication. Prior to that, Steven served as the Network Architect of Information Systems for ShopKo Stores, Inc. Often called upon by Network Computing Magazine, and Storage Pipeline Magazine, Steven is considered an industry expert in the areas of enterprise infrastructure, storage technology, and networking.
