backing up computer data

[RCBH928]

Hello

I am looking for advice on backing up some files on my computer
They are small in size , only 100's of megabytes

I am wondering if I can use flash drive as a backup instead of a hard-drive ,
can any one give any tips and on reliable manufacturers.

are the flash drives as reliable as hard-drives?
is there a better way to backup?

i have a 2002 flatpanel imac, which is starting to age and i am afraid it will lose some files

[lordofduct]

How long should this backup last? What are you going to do with the storage device once you've backed up to it?

If it is only a short term back up (a year or 2) then whatever is affordable, whatever. A CD should do the job. CD-r wear out in like 5 to 10 years depending brand and storage, but for 2 as long as it is in a case not in the sun or boiling temperatures will hold well for a couple years.

[Tercoil]

My advice is use a little usb flash drive, you can get em in huge sizes now and they are very reliable as long as you don't lose them lol

also they have come down in price a lot recently and you can get quite a good one for like 10 - 20 bux which will last you a LONG time and store enough data and then some

[RCBH928]

so flash drive can last around only two years?
recommend a manufacturer

what type of media has a real long lasting life time

[Niode]

I'm pretty sure anything you buy will be good enough.

Flash memory is probably the most durable. CD-Rs when looked after will last a lot longer than you would think. It's always best to make multiple backups of the same data and keep them in separate places. Like in your parent's loft or somewhere other than your own house just in case of fire damage.

[fastbilly1]

The problem with any harddrive or flash drive, is that you need to remember powercycle them every once and awhile. I do it once a month just to be sure.

Id buy what is on sale on slickdeals, ie:
http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?t=1072600

[corn619]

Burn it to a data CD they last forever.

[Niode]

Burn it to a data CD they last forever.

*ahem*
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cd-r#Expected_lifespan

[itsamemario]

i had some CD-Rs that I burned to some Memorex brand discs back in the 90s and they were completely unreadable when i tried to use em a couple of years ago...

they were stored on a bookcase, so they should've lasted...CD-Rs just aren't a good long-term solution

if you have stuff you need to keep long-term, i'd suggest re-backing it up every couple of years...

[Whatupdoc?]

I've put a memory stick through a washing machine and a dryer and it still works so you should be good to go with that. and it kept the data!