Cloud drives are convenient. All information is at hand and at the same time does not take up space on local storage. But does this factor always play a role?
Every person has a personal digital wealth, and every year it grows. Free cloud services, which appeared in the early 2010s, have become a real revolution in the world of technology. They helped save space on low-capacity memory modules in smartphones and PCs. But then (and now too), many people were not satisfied with the fact that they had to trust personal files to some outside company.
The capacity of local storage devices has increased over time and their cost has decreased. And if today you are puzzling over where it is better to send backup copies of files - to a local disk or to the cloud - do not ignore the first option.
Local storage as an option for file backup
Among the reasons listed below, each user will find at least one that will affect him and make him think about abandoning cloud services.
Money
Buy a 1TB hard drive or pay for a cloud subscription of the same capacity - which will come out cheaper? In the long run, the former is cheaper. A well-protected cloud will not be cheap, which means that you will definitely not be able to save money on it. But if you invest the same money in a quality storage device, be it an HDD or SSD, and handle it carefully, it will last for many years.
When used properly, HDDs and SSDs will significantly exceed the manufacturer's stated lifespan.
Control
Local storage is always nearby, you have full control over its contents. If you don't want to give it to a stranger, then don't. Install a program for encryption and protection. Your files are completely in your hands. Who in the end can take care of them better than you?
Persistence
The cloud can hardly be called a permanent type of storage, and even more so eternal. At any time, the service provider can wind down business and customers will have to urgently look for a new place to move their data. So, over the past five years, Cubby and Yunpan data centers have ceased to exist, some of the services have ceased to provide free services.
Availability
You can access the virtual disk only if your device has an Internet connection. This factor is both a plus and a minus of the cloud. Despite the fact that the Internet has enveloped almost the entire planet, in rural areas and regions with a complex landscape of communication interruptions not at all.
Yes, and no one has canceled technical problems on the service provider side. So the presence of a stable Internet does not give warranty at all that at the right time it will be possible to remove the desired file from the cloud.
Types of local storages
If you made a solution to at least partially abandon the clouds in favor of physical media, financially will be required attachments. To store files, different storage devices are intended. All of them are well acquainted.
External disks
External SSD or HDD is a portable memory module like what is in your PC or laptop. This solution is suitable for storing data from several tens of gigabytes to several tens terabytes.
Since the external disk is placed a huge amount of information, it is suitable for long-term storage of files to which you do not have to often contact the archives with family photos, films and completed work projects.
USB drives
Very popular storage option. In size, a USB drive is less than a portable disk, and information is placed to one terabyte.
Flashki is the perfect choice for short-term storage and those cases when files have to regularly access or update the contents. On the flash drive, you can write a portable image of the operating system, for example, Linux or Tails to switch between different media.
Memory Cards
Another portable and compact version of the repository. Access to the map content can be obtained through a smartphone, a tablet or a special PC adapter. Also memory cards are used in cameras and game consoles.
Despite the tiny size, the capacitance of SD cards can reach 512 GB. Do not rely on them as the main and long-term storage, but to have a couple in the house will be very helpful.
CD and DVD
hopelessly obsolete CDs and DVDs are still found in stores. But the practicality of their use is under a big question, because in modern laptops and PCs there is no optical actuator. However, as cheap and rather reliable data warehouse, these media will fit.
How to organize storage of files on the local disk
Cloud storage services have won mass recognition also because not All users could organize offline repository in a convenient way. Let's figure out how to avoid mistakes.
We label files and distribute along media
Without a comfortable search bar, you quickly get confused in the abundance of information. So that the autonomous storage facility is convenient, you need a clear and understandable system for organizing files. It is possible to initially distribute them by date, type or category - work, study, family, personal, other.
As an option, workers or training documents can be sent to a USB flash drive, and personal archives for portable HDD.
Regularly update the contents of the disk
, the backup copies on the local storage do not appear by themselves, they will have to be done manually. Let this be reminded of mobile notice.
Store external disk under optimal conditions
Most storage devices are sensitive to the effects of cold and heat, humidity and direct sunlight are harmful. In order not to lose all saving at one point, it is advisable to keep the disk in a dry cool place.
We are looking for early signs of faults
alarming should any atypical behavior - strange sounds from HDD, too slow connection or copying. As soon as you started suspecting that something is wrong with the storage device, replace it immediately.
The smaller the disk is used, the less it is wearing. Prolonged lying in no way hurts him (unless, of course, environmental conditions correspond to recommended).
Do not lazy to do several backups
especially important, indispensable files should be placed several times on different carriers. Thus, the risk of their losing significantly decreases.
Disadvantages of storage of files on the local carrier
But after all, millions of users have shifted to cloud storage. For justice, you need to mention the disadvantages of physical disks.
Availability
The only way to have access to locally saved files is always and everywhere to wear a storage device (in some cases, a cable and adapter for connection are needed). Forget to put it in a pocket before going to work threatens to turn around the catastrophe. A cloud disk just need a more or less stable Internet.
Security
Compact external drive size allows you to steal it without too much attention. Of course, the content can be protected using passwords and encryption, but we will be honest: few are ready to bother with it.
Maintenance
The cloud service provider assumes responsibility for servicing servers and equipment performance. When you go to local data storage devices, this task falls on you. It is just enough to just buy a storage device - for its condition, too, you need to monitor, operate in suitable conditions and timely replaced with wear.
Cost
Despite the fact that in the long run, the local storage costs cheaper, a qualitative and reliable storage device is expensive. If you need to organize the storage of data volumes into several terabytes, then even the purchase of 3-4 budget HDD will fly into a penny.
Study
Loss or break an external disk - say goodbye to everything that it was recorded on it. Unless you have a spare copy. There is, of course, the probability that the trouble will happen to the cloud (for example, someone steals the password), but such situations occur much less often.
Deciding to you
Transition from cloud storage to local - the solution is not simple. Before you accept it, think about all the pros and cons.
Local drive is a great solution for those who appreciate privacy and can organize their workspace. But at the same time, the cloud eliminates the need to carry a physical data storage device everywhere and constantly worry about its safety.
