In the past, you would store most of your essential documents and files in drawers, bookshelves, and filing cabinets. But in today’s digital age, most of your critical data is probably stored on a computer.
With countless ways to store your files digitally, there is certainly an option that will work best for your needs. Here are the most effective ways to store your files digitally.
Cold Storage
This method of digital preservation involves separate mediums that store your files digitally, outside of a computer. Some examples include DVDs, SD cards, flash drives, and solid-state hard drives.
The most significant advantage to using cold storage is that it’s one of the most cost-effective ways to store bulkier files while keeping them secure. Also, cold storage provides a backup in case of a catastrophic event that permanently deletes the files on your computer.
Desktop/Laptop Storage
With all these external methods of digital file storage, sometimes it’s easiest to just save directly to your computer’s storage system. Convenience is the main reason to go this route, and for a business, storing files locally can maximize workplace efficiency while reducing expenses.
However, there are a few disadvantages to this type of storage. If you store too many files on your computer, your hard drive will fill up quickly and run out of free space. In addition, saving too many files onto your computer can slow down its performance significantly.
Social Media Storage
One of the most recent advancements in digital storage capabilities is using social media to save your pictures and videos online. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter provide users with features for organizing pictures into albums, editing them, and sharing them with friends and family.
Having files online opens free space on your computer or hard drive, but what you gain in quantity often comes at the expense of quality. Privacy concerns are another reason people might hesitate to use this method, but social media can be a valuable tool if you are looking for a free external solution.
Cloud Storage
Finally, cloud storage saves your files on a server owned by a separate company. Cloud storage functions similarly to social media storage but is more effective at keeping your data private.
If you want to store large files and have the ability to access them wirelessly all at once, cloud storage might be the solution for you.
Overall, choose the solution that works best for your needs. Now that you know the most effective ways to store your files digitally, you can make the most informed decision.