Storage Is Not Eternal - How Long Does A Hard Drive Last?
Summary: This 3-minute article discusses the life span of different storage drives and the long-term protection of your data. Contact the IT experts at GEEKAID Computer and Network Support at https://www.geek-aid.com/ to discuss the best storage solutions for all the components of your computer system.
We count on our computers to boot up when we need them, operate efficiently and provide access to a world of data. But in the event of computer failure, retaining your data is probably more precious to you than all of your hardware. With data stored securely, you will always be able to start over again. New devices are easy to replace, but you're in serious trouble once your data is lost.
There are no guarantees of how long your data will be preserved on storage drives. However, some last longer than others and there are differences between storage capacities and the cost of different types of storage:
- How Long Does A Hard Drive Last? – Most IT experts estimate that a hard drive (HDD) will last about 3-5 years. However, the good news is that they store more data than other storage devices and are relatively inexpensive per gigabyte. The downside is that they are slower than other types and have moving hardware parts that can malfunction and break down completely.
- How Long Do Solid-State Drives Last? – Solid State Drives (SSD) have an average life expectancy of up to 10 years. SSDs are great to carry around because, without moving parts, they are not affected by motion or shocks. SSDs are far more expensive storage per gigabyte than HDDs but are also much faster. But, as with all things, SSDs will eventually wear out too.
- How Long Does a USB Stick Last? – USB Sticks (also known as jump sticks and flash drives) are more portable SSDs, that can fit in your pocket. USB Sticks' lifespan depends on how often you use them. Data on USB Sticks can be written and overwritten 10,000 to 1,000,000 times. Most users are unlikely to use them enough to get to where data has been corrupted or the drive fails. Therefore, USB sticks will last a long time as long as they are not mishandled.
Data is Precious. Back It Up!
Backing up your data on a regular basis is the best way to ensure your data is protected from drive failures. No matter how long the life expectancy of a storage drive, backing up the data regularly can take the worry out of data “survival,” allowing you to focus on the business at hand. Life expectancy estimates mean nothing if the drive you bought recently fails and your data is corrupted forever. Manufacturers are not very transparent about the life expectancies of their devices. Therefore, it is wise to be proactive in your data storage and protection.
Storage Solutions - Robust Strategies for Your SMB
SMBs and 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 devices related to your computer system. IT professionals have the expertise to ensure your system has all the right hardware and strong 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 when required in New York City.
GEEK-AID® Computer and Network Support specializes in customized computer system installation, integration, upgrades, maintenance and repair for 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 in all five boroughs of New York City. 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, to ensure your computers, network and data stay up-to-date, healthy and secure. As your business grows, expands its network and adds more devices such as smart controls, smart devices, wireless access and remote access, your network's cybercrime vulnerability and need for cyber security will grow, too. IT support is not just for emergencies. In addition to integrating your system operations and maintaining hardware, software and security, training for your or your employees must also be ongoing. New users and new devices will require additional training to work efficiently and best practices for working with all their connected devices. Hardware and software installation and maintenance, repair, cyber security, network functionality and network protection are interrelated concerns. They must be addressed consistently and proactively to best support the seamless operation of your company, 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 SMB.