DVD Backup - the Backup for Tomorrow
A Backup Article Contributed by Ashley Lister
DVD Backup - the Backup for Tomorrow
DVD is one of the most convenient media for backups and could easily replace any other form of backup media.
DVD Backup is Copious.
The first generation of DVDs that were created barely held 3 gigabytes of information. But, since then, advances have been made and DVDs now store, as standard, 4.7 gigabytes of data. Dual layer discs are available and these are capable of holding double the amount. The technology works with twin sets of storage media held in the same disc, joined by a transparent glue so that they can be read from the fixed lens position of the DVD reader/writer.
However, while this type of disc does offer a very large storage capacity, writers for this type of media are difficult to locate and very expensive to buy.
Brief experiments were made with a type of disc that could hold double the amount of a dual layer disc but these proved unreliable and production was eventually halted.
But, while any of these advances would be fantastic developments, the current standard of 4.7 gigabytes is almost certainly more than enough for most people's needs.
DVD Backup is Quick.
The majority of backup softwares today take into account that DVD writers are positioned on most modern machines. Especially with internal drives, but even with USB technology and an external writer/re-writer, this means the backup software has been written to take into account the requirements needed for backing up to a DVD drive.
Encryption comes as a standard, so that information stored and saved is held securely without risk of being compromised, and many of these products also offer the advantage of a password protection system. These features are not unique to DVD backup media but it is comforting to know that the fundamentals most people rely on for their existing backups are still available for the more modern convenience offered by DVD.
DVD Backup is Convenient.
DVD backup offers many advantages over other forms of traditional storage methods. With each disc being able to hold 4.7 gigabytes of data (and up to 10 gigabytes if compression has been used) it is certainly large enough to meet the demands of most small businesses.
Compared with previous methods of storage, particularly tapes, DVDs are less prone to corruption and damage through accidents or misuse. Tape storage systems do offer copious large amounts of storage and, on the majority of occasions they do prove themselves to be reliable, but they are a comparatively vulnerable storage method. Aside from the sensitivity to magnetism that is common to all computer media, tapes can also be corrupted by exposure to heat, humidity and extremes of temperature.
DVDs are not so susceptible to damage and, while the media can suffer corruption, it is not as vulnerable as the flimsy magnetic media contained in tape cartridges.
The discs are low priced and convenient to store. Additionally, because of the reliability of DVDs, the information they hold can be retrieved whenever it is needed.
