Hard drives from the last 20 years are now slowly dying.

  • Gucci_Minh [he/him]
    ·
    2 months ago

    Optical discs like CDs and DVDs last a very long time if stored properly. It's using them that kills them fast. So in terms of data archival they're actually pretty good. Regardless, u right, make backups of backups and replace the media its stored on every once in a while.

    • BrikoX@lemmy.zip
      hexagon
      M
      ·
      edit-2
      2 months ago

      Most don't last long.

      *removed externally hosted image*

      Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/conservation-preservation-publications/canadian-conservation-institute-notes/longevity-recordable-cds-dvds.html

      • Gucci_Minh [he/him]
        ·
        2 months ago

        Yeah I work for a place that uses discs for archival in addition to tapes and the discs do have specific requirements for storage, like opaque boxes in a temp and humidity controlled room. The discs are also some fancy Japanese brand I've never heard of. Probably best not to pickup a pack of CD-R at the walmart and use those.

        • huf [he/him]
          ·
          2 months ago

          i've had factory printed DVDs die while stored at room temperature in the dark (case). they just developed holes.