We read countless articles that describe data backup and instruct us on what best to do, how to back up and what to backup. One wonders if backup is such a big deal after all, to warrant so much of information. Well, one needs to talk to anyone who has suffered data loss which would really mean almost every computer user and one can understand why backup information is so necessary. Data defines living in the 21st century and so loss of this data can affect how we live. Given the singular importance of data and yet knowing how susceptible storage devices are to various factors resulting in data loss, backup needs to be taken very seriously.

At a large organisational level, backup is professionally driven with companies sparing no expense or technical expertise for the best possible backup solutions. The backup needs of an individual user are very different largely due to the nature and volume of data stored. However, if the data is important then it should be taken just as seriously. Luckily, there are several different backup media available that are designed to suit various needs and budgets. The bottom line for backup media is that good backup is one you can restore from. This in mind, there are CDs, DVD, zip drives, tapes etc to choose from.

DVD Highlights

DVDs came into the scenario as an almost new improved CD format. Between 1995 and 2000, DVDs became extremely popular in the entertainment industry. The next natural step seemed to produce burnable DVDs. There were many initial versions of DVDs that were produced and with every improvement the world of information technology had a new backup medium. DVDs could store up to 7 times as much as a 700MB CD. Further most DVD burners double as CD burners which makes this medium extremely flexible. Most new computers come with a built in DVD drive which reduces any additional expense. DVDs apart from having great storage capacity can be stored for a long period of time and are hardier than CDs.

DVDs are easily available to an individual user and using DVDs as backup is a similar process as that of using a CD except that computer should have a DVD drive. In the instance that there is no DVD drive, then an external drive can be used. DVDs are also not very expensive especially when one considers the service that they provide.

There are many companies who produce DVDs. Always go for a DVD brand that is well known and comes with a good reputation. No matter how tempting pirated DVDs may seem because of their low cost, the long term ramifications just don’t make it worth it. If your data is valuable then it is worth every expense investing in a good quality DVD.

DVD Drawbacks

The most important aspect to keep in mind about disk media is that they are not meant for long term archival storage. They will offer a reasonable shelf life after which you will have to change to a fresh disk. DVDs too come with a shelf life and as a backup medium is susceptible to natural disaster, human mishandling etc..

If you have an older computer, it may not come with and inbuilt DVD drive and this would mean an additional expense. The DVD drive may not come with backup software. It is possible to write over data on DVD-RW disks and lose backup files.

Conclusion

An individual user is mostly looking for a backup option that is simple, uncomplicated and affordable. It is easy to get lured by the myriad of options available in the market and often times it becomes difficult to decide. Especially since the average PC user does not have the insight of a professional, it becomes difficult to choose the ideal backup medium.

There is no such thing as the perfect backup medium for the individual user as he has neither the access nor the expertise to use backup solutions available to large corporations. However, if he understands the nature of backup media then DVDs can be great backup options. They enjoy a great popularity amongst informed PC users which should be taken as a good sign. If one invests in a good quality DVD and changes it after a reasonable gap of time then there is no reason why DVDs shouldn’t serve as good backup options. DVDs should be stored in a clean environment and in cool temperatures to ensure maximum shelf life.