The Best Way to Save Computer Files

Summary: There are different storage drive options available for small and midsized businesses (SMBs). Some are safer, cheaper and hold more data than others. Explore the best way to save computer files.

Storage for computer files is not limited to the physical storage on your computer or on your network Many options are available to free up hard drive space and keep systems running as fast as possible. Computer data storage “is a technology consisting of computer components and recording media that are used to retain digital data. It is a core function and fundamental component of computers.” However, cloud storage is a solid replacement for most physical storage drives and is being embraced by most small companies.

Cloud Storage for Computer Files

One of the best advancements in computer data storage is “the cloud.” Cloud storage is a vast array of servers housed in large data centers throughout the world. Although cloud storage is technically not a device, it is a very stable, secure and versatile way to store computer files. With cloud storage, your data files are stored online and it provides a vastly larger storage capacity than physical devices. Even portable hard and solid-state drives cannot match the features of cloud storage. With cloud storage, anywhere you can get a WiFi signal you can upload and download files without the physical restrictions and vulnerabilities presented by portable drives.

The remote-access work model has been supported by cloud storage, reducing the need for deleting files to gain more space, remembering to transport portable storage drives and dealing with storage drive failures. Also, file sharing with clients and work associates has become easier and more secure using cloud storage for computer files. A business data professional can help you migrate locally stored data to the cloud and discuss other storage considerations such as classifying and archiving data.

Dropbox Online Storage

Dropbox users can access files from their desktops. Dropbox is an online file-saving platform that mimics the functions of a local drive without taking up hard drive space. Dropbox is just one of the platforms that facilitates file storage and sharing.

External Storage Devices – HDDs and SSDs

External storage devices are used to add storage capacity to a computer that is running out of space or to share files between multiple computers without emailing them. Also, almost all external storage devices are portable and permit easy file transfers between devices. External hard disc drives (HDDs) are also handy file backups you can separate from your computer system and take with you anywhere.

HDDs offer up to about 20 TB of storage space, whereas solid state drives (SSDs) offer up to 8 TB of storage. HDDs are much less expensive than SSDs and allow larger storage capacities. However, because HDDs have moving parts, they are likely to wear out much sooner than SSDs.

SSD “Flash Memory” Devices

The most typical flash memory device is the USB flash drive. Flash drives are also known as thumb drives and memory sticks. Before the cloud, USB flash drives were the option of choice for file portability and transfers. If your computer has a USB drive, USB flash memory devices are a very convenient form of portable storage and have up to 2 TB of storage. Again, they are more expensive than HDDs but are the obvious choice for device portability. Flash drives contain an internal battery that will fail over time, so transfer data to a new stick after a few years. Besides USB drives, SD cards and memory cards are small and as popular as other SSD options.

Optical Storage Devices

Compact discs (CDs) were the first popular optical disc storage devices or optical media. However, digital video discs (DVDs) and Blu-Ray discs have greater capacity and operate faster than CDs. Also, CDs store up to 700 MB of data, DVDs up to 8.5 GB, and Blu-Rays 25-128 GB of data.

With optical media storage, binary code is stored in tiny cells that fan out along a spiral track from the center of the disks to the outer edge. When activated, the disk spins and a built-in laser scan the cells containing the data on the disk.

DVDs have spiral data tracks closer together than CDs and, therefore, can store more data. DVDs also use more precise lasers for scanning the tracks and permit data “layering,” which increases storage capacity even more. Blu-Ray Disks are DVDs that can store data on multiple layers with precise blue laser scanning of the tracks.

Random Access Memory

Random access memory (RAM) is the primary storage of a computer and is used for in-the-moment access to data. Every task you perform on a computer and every file you work with is temporarily stored in RAM. The most significant feature of RAM is that it allows the user to work on several different platforms simultaneously without losing work when switching from one platform to another and back. In addition, RAM is meant to be temporary, so the memory is cleared whenever a computer is powered off or rebooted.

What is Network Attached Storage?

Network Attached Storage (NAS) is a dedicated server used specifically for file sharing. It uses special operating system (OS) software and incorporates secure storage and data file sharing by multiple users from different devices. NAS is helpful for design, manufacturing and research teams and other groups collaborating on projects.

Data Storage Solutions for SMBs

Anyone with storage concerns will benefit from the assistance of a business IT solutions professional to help make informed and cost-conscious decisions about data storage and other tech-related issues. Data can be classified for short and long-term storage. This can help your company save on storage and archive fees for data that may not need to be accessed on a regular basis. Solutions also include data destruction and device decommissioning planning so that old data does not fall into the wrong hands.

Data classification and access control is also important for security. Limiting file access to only those who need it to perform their jobs is essential for data security. Whether you are storing your own digital assets or those of your clients, partners and vendors, having professional advice and oversight is essential. It can help avoid costly and devastating data losses from cyberattacks, building disasters, mishandling or insider threats.

IT professionals have the expertise to ensure your network-connected devices are compatible and secure, helping your network operate at maximum speed, security and performance and quickly addressing any issues. Whether setting up network attached storage or migrating data to the cloud, using professional IT services can help save costs and ensure your network and data storage function the way you need it to.