April 23, 2012. Bill Szydlowski
credit: rintakumpuThe floppy disk was never intended to be used for long-term data storage. Floppies are sensitive to heat, moisture and other elements that are largely beyond our ability to control.
Close proximity to the magnets in televisions and other electronic equipment can corrupt the data on a floppy, rendering the data saved on it useless. For long-term data storage of my personal files, I prefer using CDs, DVDs or Internet-based data storage.
Are CDs and DVDs the answer?
CDs and DVDs are still sensitive to the elements. However, greater degrees of exposure has to occur before discs are damaged. A clear, hard coating on the data side of the disc helps prevent scratches that could render the disc unreadable. Transferring data from floppy disk to CD or DVD is easy. Most burners today allow users to simply drag and drop the files they want to copy to the disc drive.
Storing data in the cloud
Saving data from floppies to Internet-based storage is even easier and often more secure. Third party companies make it their job to ensure data is backed up regularly and available when users need it. Internet-based storage means that any computer connected to the Internet can upload files for storage or download them for retrieval. Secure off-site storage protects sensitive files from fire, flood or theft. I use Internet-based storage for my most sensitive files and for irreplaceable photos and videos. However, I would always keep a local copy as well, just in case the online service is mismanaged or goes out of business
Continued need for floppies
Many older computer programs used in the business world still require a floppy disk drive to save program data. This is not likely to change anytime soon given that many companies are still relying on software from the early 1990′s for much of their internal operations. Businesses are typically much slower to upgrade than home users. However, these businesses do incorporate modern backup strategies for long-term data storage instead of storing critical data on floppy disk.
Updated April 23, 2012. Published September 21, 2011. Bill Szydlowski
