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Hold That Data! - The Best Way to Save Computer Files

Summary: This 3-minute article explores the different storage drives available to PC users. Find out the best ways to save computer files. Then, contact the IT experts at GEEKAID Computer and Network Support at https://www.geek-aid.com/ to discuss the best storage solutions for your computer system.

Storage for computer files today is not limited to the physical storage in your computer system. Many options are available to users to free up hard drive space and keep their systems running as fast as possible. Computer data storage, according to Wikipedia “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.

Storage in the Cloud

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, all of 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 the cloud, anywhere you can get a WiFi signal, you can upload and download files without physical restrictions and vulnerabilities presented by portable drives. The recently expanded remote-access work model has been supported by cloud storage, reducing the need for deleting files and dealing with storage drive failures. Also, file sharing with clients and work associates has become easier and more secure through the cloud.

Dropbox Online Storage

Dropbox users are afforded the ability to 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.

External Storage Devices – HDDs and SSDs

External Storage Devices are used to add storage capacity to a computer that is running out of space. Also, almost all external storage devices are portable and permit easy file transfers between devices. External drives 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 SSD (Solid State Devices) drives 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. As long as 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. Besides USB drives, SD cards and Memory cards are small and popular as other SSD options.

Optical Storage Devices

CDs were the first popular optical disk storage devices or optical media. However, DVDs and Blu-Ray disks 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 (RAM)

Random Access Memory, or 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, or NAS, uses special OS software to allow a dedicated server to be used specifically for data storage and file sharing. NAS incorporates secure storage and sharing by multiple users from different devices

Storage Solutions

Anyone with storage concerns would be wise to enlist the assistance of IT consulting services to help make informed and cost-conscious decisions about your storage and other issues related to your computer system. IT professionals have the expertise to ensure your system has all the right hardware and robust network security from the start. In addition, IT experts can help you define all of your computer-system priorities to serve all your business and personal IT needs. Furthermore, they can ensure your network operates at maximum speed and functionality. Finally, onsite IT support can help keep your entire network up and running as securely and efficiently as possible.

GEEK-AID® Computer and Network Support specializes in customized computer system installation, integration, upgrades, maintenance and repair for home users and small to midsized businesses. GEEK-AID®'s team of IT experts comprises top specialists in different IT services, serving clients onsite and remotely for Macs, PCs and all your connected devices. More importantly, when your business network goes down, they will perform onsite computer repairs if required. And the GEEK-AID® team doesn't clock out at five o'clock on Friday. They are available to you 24/7, remotely or in person, in all five boroughs of New York City. They can ensure your computers, network and data stay up-to-date, healthy and secure. Hardware and software installation and maintenance, repair, cyber security, network functionality and network protection are all interrelated concerns. They must be addressed consistently and proactively to best support the seamless operation of your system, minimizing costly and time-consuming IT-related mistakes.

Call (877) GEEK-AID (877-433-5243) to discuss storage solutions for your computer system and the best IT maintenance for your home or small business.