Denis Joseph Nexum Hardware.

Lacie External

What is the Best Method to Back up Data?

This being the age of internet, chat rooms, blogging and innovative hackers, their expectation never gets fulfilled. The news always leaks out or is methodically publicised by a rival or a gleeful hacker. Thereafter, insult is added to their injury as irate customers and the eager press demand explanations about every unsavoury detail of the incident. But data loss is not a problem affecting only the big players only any more. All of us deal with some amount of data and almost all of it is important to us. Albums have been replaced by .jpeg files, our music is inside the hard drive of our pc or laptop, and our emails are stored in offline folders or software like Microsoft Outlook. Students keep their study material in their machines, and a doctoral thesis is usually a file on the hard disk instead of being a thick volume bound in leather covers. It is, therefore, strange that we keep losing data because we have not taken the precaution of backing it up elsewhere. Several start-up home businesses have not seen the light of the day anymore after an initial incident of data loss. All of this underlines the importance of backup, which really cannot be overstressed.

Some Methods of Obtaining Backups

The method, or rather, the medium chosen for backing up data will depend on the volume of data to be stored, as well as the nature of the data. Some common methods are being enlisted below:

CD and Floppy: The floppy has largely gone out of use by now, due to its many limitations, small capacity and security problems. The CD is a good choice for obtaining backups, and is one of the favourite choices in both domestic and corporate spheres. It is cheap, readily available, portable and compatible with several file formats. Storing a CD and sharing information from it are also quite simple.

DVD: The DVD is a good choice for storing audio visual information. It may not be as cheap as the CD, but offers better quality, often lasts longer, and has way more space. DVD RWs can be used in such a way that literally every bit is used to store information. A DVD also has the same facilities when it comes to sharing and easy transporting. However, the DVD RW, many market observers feel, may turn out to be an intermediate technology and be replaced by something superior but very similar in function, or may evolve in such a way that the problems would get solved. It must be noted here that the constant research in this regard, and inventions like the Blue Ray disk etc. point out that we can hope for a better technology soon.

USB Devices: These are the new favourites all over the world. The greatest proof of the popularity of this technology lies in two facts. Firstly, the storage space of pen drives / flash drives/ memory sticks is constantly increasing. Secondly, their prices are plummeting downwards rapidly. Almost all kinds of files can be stored on these; they are very easy to carry, do not require a separate software or booting up of the machine to start functioning, and it is very convenient to share the data stored on them. For storing smaller music libraries, an iPod may be an option too.

External Hard Drives: For larger data storage requirements, external hard drives are excellent solutions. Arrays or stacks of hard drives are available for corporate purposes and are provided by all good hard drive manufacturers. Seagate, Maxtor, ASB, LaCie all make external hard drives of varying capacities and prices.

Online and Offline Storage Spaces: These are ‘spaces’ provided by professional firms, and are extremely secure for sensitive data storage.

Tapes and Printouts: Traditional storage should not be left out of the list. There is some information that one simply needs to see on the good old piece of paper. Tape has been in use for a long time now, and will probably continue for some time.

About the Author

http://www.sunilsaripalli.com

Lacie / LaCie 2 TB External Hard Drive / 301838U $246.95 Lacie - LaCie 2 TB External Hard Drive - 301838U

Lacie / LaCie 2 TB External Hard Drive / 301889KUA $160.48 Lacie - LaCie 2 TB External Hard Drive - 301889KUA

Lacie / LaCie Rugged Safe 301490 1 TB External Hard Drive / 301490 $272.28 Lacie - LaCie Rugged Safe 301490 1 TB External Hard Drive - 301490

LaCie AC Adapter $54.99 12 V DC 80 W 800052 LaCie HDDs: 4Big 5Big AC Adapter External HDD LaCie www.lacie.com

Lacie Rikiki 301952 1 TB External Hard Drive $147.53 Lacie Rikiki 301952 1 TB External Hard Drive

Lacie Minimus 301961 1 TB External Hard Drive USB - Aluminum $141.12 Lacie Minimus 301961 1 TB External Hard Drive USB - Aluminum

Lacie Rikiki 301949 500 GB External Hard Drive USB $103.72 Lacie Rikiki 301949 500 GB External Hard Drive USB

Lacie MosKeyto 131174 32 GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive - External $61.97 Lacie MosKeyto 131174 32 GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive - External

LaCie XL 1 TB External Hard Drive $113.99 1 TB 1.73" 2 Year Limited 2.36 lb 300 MBps 301848U 5.11" 8.46" 80 MBps LaCie Setup Assistant LaCie Backup Assistant Plug n Play USB 1.1 Rugged XL Hard Drive USB 2.0 Cable eSATA Cable External Power Supply Quick Install Guide LaCie Utilities (preloaded on the drive) User Manual The LaCie Rugged XL, Design by Neil Poulton combines high-capacity storage with a user-centric design. Setup is effortless; it's plug & play and offers customizable formatting with the LaCie Setup Assistant. LaCie Backup Assistant software is also included for PC/Mac users for easy, automatic backups. This advanced hard disk features aluminum casing, which provides superior protection on your desk. External Hard Drive LaCie Mac PC Rugged Rugged XL Hard Drive USB 2.0 XL Yes eSATA www.lacie.com

LaCie 301910 DVD-Writer - External $59.99 0.98" 1 x USB 2.0 - USB 10.08 oz 2 Year Limited 24x 301910 301910 8x DVD±RW Slim Drive 5.39" 6.20" 8x 8x DVD/24x CD 301910 8x DVD±RW Slim Drive USB Y Cable LaCie Utilities CD-ROM with User Manual Quick Install Guide The LaCie Slim DVD±RW, Design by Sam Hecht, helps you create your own music, video and photo CDs or DVDs and you can take it with you wherever you go. It's USB bus-powered, so you only need one cable to start burning CDs and DVDs. This 8x drive is less than an inch tall and weighs just 10 ounces, This makes it super-mobile and ideal for laptops or netbooks. Back up valuable data, share photos, and archive MP3 libraries and DVD video. With the ability to quickly store digital data on CD or DVD media, the LaCie Slim DVD±RW, Design by Sam Hecht also features USB 2.0 for easy connection to your PC or Mac. In addition, it works with many operating systems, increasing its flexibility and reliability. DVD-Writer Double-layer - DVD-RAM/±R/±RW External LaCie USB www.lacie.com

LaCie 2TB 3.5 External Hard Drive $209.99 Form Factor: 3.5" Interface: USB 2.0 RAID: RAID 0, 1 Dimensions: 7.55" x 4.56" x 2.83" Features: LaCie Hard Disk MAX, Design by Neil Poulton Simple and efficient dual-disk USB storage RAID: BIG & SAFE for maximum capacity or security Hub port feature Complete software bundle: easy formatting and backup Package Contents: LaCie Hard Disk MAX, Design by Neil Poulton USB 2.0 cable External power supply Quick Install Guide LaCie Utilities (preloaded on the drive): User Manual, LaCie Backup Assistant, LaCie Setup Assistant

LaCie 500 GB External Hard Drive $95.99 12.52 oz 2 Year Limited 2.5" 301892 500 GB 5400 rpm 60 MBps 8 MB Starck Mobile USB External Hard Drive USB 2.0 Cable USB Power-Sharing Cable Quick Install Guide USB 1.1 Plug and Play Supported Softwares: LaCie Backup Assistant LaCie Setup Assistant The LaCie Starck Mobile Hard Drive is the result of a collaboration between LaCie and world-famous designer Philippe Starck. Its sturdy 2mm of aluminum casing keeps the LaCie Starck from overheating, and helps it to be very resistant, enhancing its overall dependability. The polished aluminum exterior is stylish and tough, but also light enough to transport, making the LaCie Starck both completely chic and completely mobile. A convenient aspect of the LaCie Starck is its embedded USB cable, which allows you to maximize its compact nature and portability External Hard Drive LaCie Mac PC Starck Mobile USB 2.0 External Hard Drive USB 2.0 Yes www.lacie.com

LaCie d2 Quadra 3 TB 3.5" External Hard Drive $623.65 LaCie 3 TBd2 Quadra HD v2B

LaCie Minimus 1TB External Hard Drive $122.99 Interface: USB 3.0 Dimensions: 6.8" x 4.4" x 1.2" Weight: 1.87 lbs. Features: Ultra-compact Ultra-fast USB 3.0 performance Resistant aluminum Software: LaCie Setup Assistant; LaCie Backup Assistant (PC and Mac), 10GB Wuala Secure Online Storage (1 year included) Package Contents: LaCie Minimus USB 3.0 cable (USB 2.0 compatible) External power supply Quick Install Guide Parts: 2 years limited Labor: 2 years limited

LaCie 1 TB External Hard Drive $98.99 1 TB 2 Year Limited 3.04 lb 301888KUA 60 MBps Starck Desktop Hard Drive USB 2.0 Cable External Power Supply Quick Install Guide USB 1.1 Plug n Play The LaCie Starck Desktop Hard Drive represents a collaboration between LaCie and world-renowned designer Philippe Starck, who designed our groundbreaking line of "Toaster" hard drives. This product underscores the importance of developing and creating products that are as functional as they are beautiful. One of the most remarkable features of the LaCie Starck is its intelligent touch-sensitive surface, which responds to your touch. You can fully customize the front panel of the LaCie Starck so that it opens the application of your choosing, depending on whether you use a short tap or a long touch. It's easy to use and efficient. With its sturdy aluminum casing, the LaCie Starck is one of the most resistant and coolest choices on the market, its exterior provides a sturdy, reliable way to keep it from shock and overheating, making the LaCie Starck completely dependable. External Hard Drive LaCie Mac PC Starck Desktop Hard Drive USB 2.0 Yes www.lacie.com

LaCie 2 TB External Hard Drive $143.99 2 TB 2 Year Limited 3.04 lb 301889KUA 60 MBps Starck Desktop Hard Drive USB 2.0 Cable External Power Supply Quick Install Guide USB 1.1 Plug n Play The LaCie Starck Desktop Hard Drive represents a collaboration between LaCie and world-renowned designer Philippe Starck, who designed our groundbreaking line of "Toaster" hard drives. This product underscores the importance of developing and creating products that are as functional as they are beautiful. One of the most remarkable features of the LaCie Starck is its intelligent touch-sensitive surface, which responds to your touch. You can fully customize the front panel of the LaCie Starck so that it opens the application of your choosing, depending on whether you use a short tap or a long touch. It's easy to use and efficient. With its sturdy aluminum casing, the LaCie Starck is one of the most resistant and coolest choices on the market, its exterior provides a sturdy, reliable way to keep it from shock and overheating, making the LaCie Starck completely dependable. External Hard Drive LaCie Mac PC Starck Desktop Hard Drive USB 2.0 Yes www.lacie.com

LaCie 301975 500 GB External Hard Drive $94.99 0.79" 11.89 oz 2 Year Limited 3.62" 301975 301975 Hard Drive 5.24" 500 GB 640 MBps 301975 Hard Drive USB 3.0 Cable (USB 2.0-compatible) USB Power-sharing Cable Quick Install Guide LaCie Setup Assistant, LaCie Backup Assistant (PC and Mac) Wuala 10GB Online Storage (1 year included) Plug n Play USB 2.0 The LaCie Starck Mobile USB 3.0 is the result of a collaboration between LaCie and world-famous designer Philippe Starck. It's both practical and beautifully designed, down to every last detail. It's one of our most popular mobile drives, and now, it's been re-mastered with the new SuperSpeed USB 3.0 interface. External Hard Drive LaCie Mac PC USB 3.0 www.lacie.com

LaCie 301528 2 TB External Hard Drive $213.99 16 MB 2 TB 2.36" 3 Year Limited 3.75 lb 301528 301528 d2 Hard Drive 6.61" 640 MBps 7.20" 7200 rpm 301528 d2 Hard Drive SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Cable (USB 2.0 and 1.1 compatible) Drive Stand for Upright Use External Power Supply User Manual Quick Install Guide Lacie Backup Software With Data Restore Plug n Play USB2.0 External Hard Drive LaCie Mac PC USB 3.0 Yes www.lacie.com

LaCie 301491 500 GB External Hard Drive $152.99 1.10" 10.50 oz 100 MBps 3.54" 301491 301491 Rugged Safe Hard Drive 5.71" 500 GB 5400 rpm 8 MB 301491 Rugged Safe Hard Drive FireWire 800 (9-to-9 pin) Cable Hi-Speed USB 2.0 Cable USB Power Sharing Cable Quick Install Guide User Manual LaCie Safe Utilities LaCie Backup Assistant (Windows and Mac) USB 1.1 Plug n Play The LaCie Rugged Safe is the most complete mobile storage solution available. It offers multiple levels of data protection, from its unbreakable hardware encryption and the safest biometric authentication technology, to its shock proof enclosure. External FireWire/i.LINK 400 FireWire/i.LINK 800 Hard Drive LaCie Mac PC USB 2.0 Yes www.lacie.com

LaCie 320 GB External Hard Drive $71.99 12.52 oz 2 Year Limited 2.5" 301891 320 GB 5400 rpm 60 MBps 8 MB Starck Mobile Hard Drive USB 2.0 Cable USB Power-Sharing Cable Quick Install Guide USB 1.1 Plug n Play The LaCie Starck Mobile Hard Drive is the result of a collaboration between LaCie and world-famous designer Philippe Starck. Its sturdy 2mm of aluminum casing keeps the LaCie Starck from overheating, and helps it to be very resistant, enhancing its overall dependability. The polished aluminum exterior is stylish and tough, but also light enough to transport, making the LaCie Starck both completely chic and completely mobile. A convenient aspect of the LaCie Starck is its embedded USB cable, which allows you to maximize its compact nature and portability. It's easy to extract your cable, as well as coil it back inside of the drive. In addition, it guarantees that you'll never lose your USB cable, a feature that underscores Philippe Starck's commitment to practical and usable design. External Hard Drive LaCie Mac PC Starck Mobile Hard Drive USB 2.0 Yes www.lacie.com

LaCie AC Adapter - For Portable Audio/Video Player, External HDD - 24W - 3A - 12V DC $27.99 12 V DC 24 W 3 A 800053 LaCie Internet Space LaCie Network Space LaCie Silverscreen III Neil Poulton LaCie Hard Disk AC Adapter External HDD LaCie Portable Audio/Video Player www.lacie.com

LaCie d2 2 TB External Hard Drive $274.99 16 MB 2 TB 3 Year Limited 3.31 lb 300 MBps 301500U 7200 rpm USB 1.1 Plug n Play d2 Quadra Hard Drive eSATA-to-eSATA Cable FireWire 800 (9-to-9 Pin) Cable FireWire 400 (6-to-6 Pin) Cable USB 2.0 Cable External Power Supply Drive Stand LaCie Setup Assistant LaCie Utilities For Windows: Genie Backup Assistant Software with Data Restore For Mac: Intego Backup Assistant Software with Data Restore The d2 Quadra Fully loaded with all the best interfaces, offers universal connectivity for PC and Mac users. For easy setup, the LaCie Setup Assistant helps format your disk according to your needs. Perfect for digital content creation, audio/video editing, DVD authoring, Web animation, etc. External FireWire/i.LINK 400 FireWire/i.LINK 800 Hard Drive LaCie Mac PC USB 2.0 Yes d2 d2 Quadra Hard Drive eSATA www.lacie.com

LaCie Rikiki 500 GB External Hard Drive $77.99 2 Year Limited 2.5" 301909 5.57 oz 500 GB 5400 rpm 60 MBps 8 MB Rikiki Portable Hard Drive USB 2.0 cable USB 1.1 Plug n Play USB Boost software LaCie Backup Assistant LaCie Setup Assistant Rikiki Portable Hard Drive is one of the smallest mobile hard drive on the market today. With the Rikiki, you don't have to choose between capacity and mobility; it's perfect for anyone who needs constant access to their music, photos, files, and entire digital world. Its brushed aluminum casing works on two levels: it helps protect your data, but also gives the Rikiki a sophisticated look. The aluminum exterior is tough, but it's also light enough for mobility, ensuring your data will always make it to its destination. Black External Hard Drive LaCie Mac PC Rikiki Rikiki Portable Hard Drive USB 2.0 Yes www.lacie.com

LaCie Rikiki 640 GB External Hard Drive $86.99 2 Year Limited 2.5" 301911 5.57 oz 5400 rpm 60 MBps 640 GB 8 MB Rikiki Portable Hard Drive USB 2.0 cable USB 1.1 Plug n Play USB Boost software LaCie Backup Assistant LaCie Setup Assistant Rikiki Portable Hard Drive is one of the smallest mobile hard drive on the market today. With the Rikiki, you don't have to choose between capacity and mobility; it's perfect for anyone who needs constant access to their music, photos, files, and entire digital world. Its brushed aluminum casing works on two levels: it helps protect your data, but also gives the Rikiki a sophisticated look. The aluminum exterior is tough, but it's also light enough for mobility, ensuring your data will always make it to its destination. Black External Hard Drive LaCie Mac PC Rikiki Rikiki Portable Hard Drive USB 2.0 Yes www.lacie.com

LaCie 301930 500 GB External Hard Drive $110.99 1.10" 2 Year Limited 3.5" 3.54" 301930 301930 Rugged Hard Drive 5.71" 500 GB 640 MBps 7200 rpm 8.50 oz 301930 Rugged Hard Drive USB 3.0 Cable USB Power Sharing Cable Quick Install Guide User Manual LaCie Backup Assistant LaCie Setup Assistant USB 2.0 USB 1.1 Plug n Play The Rugged USB 3.0 combines the new SuperSpeed USB 3.0 interface with a high quality drive, allowing you to transfer data like HD movies and pictures with the fastest speeds on the market. The connector also provides more power to devices and lets your peripherals to be bus powered for incredible mobility. With rubber bumpers and a shock proof exterior, the Rugged USB 3.0 is the best way to protect your data, no matter where you are. External Hard Drive LaCie Mac Orange PC Silver USB 3.0 Yes www.lacie.com

LaCie Rikiki 1TB Black External Hard Drive $124.99 Interface: USB 3.0 Dimensions: 4.6" x 2.9" x 0.52" Weight: 6.2 oz. Features: Ultra–small Ultra–fast USB 3.0 performance Huge capacity up to 1TB Made of resistant aluminum Software: LaCie Setup Assistant; LaCie Backup Assistant (PC and Mac), 10GB Wuala Secure Online Storage (1 year included) Package Contents: LaCie Rikiki USB 3.0 USB 3.0 cable (USB 2.0 compatible) Quick Install Guide Parts: 2 years limited Labor: 2 years limited

LaCie d2 500 GB External Hard Drive $134 1.73" 16 MB 3 Year Limited 3.31 lb 300 MBps 301440U 500 GB 6.30" 6.81" 7200 rpm Genie Backup Assistant software with data restore for Windows 2000, XP, Vista Intego Backup Assistant software with data restore for Mac OS X 10.4 Plug'n'Play USB 1.1 compatible d2 Quadra External Hard Drive eSATA-to-eSATA cable FireWire 800 (9-to-9 pin) cable FireWire 400 (6-to-6 pin) cable USB 2.0 cable External power supply Drive stand for upright desktop use LaCie Setup Assistant LaCie Utilities (preloaded) Fully loaded with all the best interfaces, eSATA 3Gbits, FireWire 800, FireWire 400, and USB 2.0. This all-in-one professional hard disk offers universal connectivity for PC and Mac users. For easy setup, the LaCie Setup Assistant helps format your disk according to your needs. Perfect for digital content creation, audio/video editing, DVD authoring, Web animation, etc., the d2 Quadra can handle multiple demanding professional tasks. It can be daisy-chained via FireWire or connected to your DV camera and is even bootable in FireWire for Mac and in eSATA for Mac/PC. With the LaCie Shortcut Button, you can easily launch any application in one push, such as the included Genie Backup Assistant software with data restore for Windows or Intego Backup Assistant software with data restore for Mac. The unique, fanless aluminum heat sink design with 60% more surface area for heat dissipation keeps it quiet and safe. External FireWire/i.LINK 400 FireWire/i.LINK 800 Hard Drive LaCie Mac PC USB 2.0 Yes d2 d2 Quadra External Hard Drive eSATA www.lacie.com

LaCie d2 1 TB External Hard Drive $154 1 TB 1.73" 16 MB 3 Year Limited 3.31 lb 300 MBps 301442U 6.30" 6.81" 7200 rpm Genie Backup Assistant software with data restore for Windows 2000, XP, Vista Intego Backup Assistant software with data restore for Mac OS X 10.4 Plug'n'Play USB 1.1 compatible d2 Quadra External Hard Drive eSATA-to-eSATA cable FireWire 800 (9-to-9 pin) cable FireWire 400 (6-to-6 pin) cable USB 2.0 cable External power supply Drive stand for upright desktop use LaCie Setup Assistant LaCie Utilities (preloaded) Fully loaded with all the best interfaces, eSATA 3Gbits, FireWire 800, FireWire 400, and USB 2.0. This all-in-one professional hard disk offers universal connectivity for PC and Mac users. For easy setup, the LaCie Setup Assistant helps format your disk according to your needs. Perfect for digital content creation, audio/video editing, DVD authoring, Web animation, etc., the d2 Quadra can handle multiple demanding professional tasks. It can be daisy-chained via FireWire or connected to your DV camera and is even bootable in FireWire for Mac and in eSATA for Mac/PC. With the LaCie Shortcut Button, you can easily launch any application in one push, such as the included Genie Backup Assistant software with data restore for Windows or Intego Backup Assistant software with data restore for Mac. The unique, fanless aluminum heat sink design with 60% more surface area for heat dissipation keeps it quiet and safe. External FireWire/i.LINK 400 FireWire/i.LINK 800 Hard Drive LaCie Mac PC USB 2.0 Yes d2 d2 Quadra External Hard Drive eSATA www.lacie.com

LaCie d2 1.50 TB External Hard Drive $209 1.50 TB 1.73" 16 MB 3 Year Limited 3.31 lb 300 MBps 301425U 6.30" 6.81" 7200 rpm Genie Backup Assistant software with data restore for Windows 2000, XP, Vista Intego Backup Assistant software with data restore for Mac OS X 10.4 Plug'n'Play USB 1.1 compatible d2 Quadra External Hard Drive eSATA-to-eSATA cable FireWire 800 (9-to-9 pin) cable FireWire 400 (6-to-6 pin) cable USB 2.0 cable External power supply Drive stand for upright desktop use LaCie Setup Assistant LaCie Utilities (preloaded) Fully loaded with all the best interfaces, eSATA 3Gbits, FireWire 800, FireWire 400, and USB 2.0. This all-in-one professional hard disk offers universal connectivity for PC and Mac users. For easy setup, the LaCie Setup Assistant helps format your disk according to your needs. Perfect for digital content creation, audio/video editing, DVD authoring, Web animation, etc., the d2 Quadra can handle multiple demanding professional tasks. It can be daisy-chained via FireWire or connected to your DV camera and is even bootable in FireWire for Mac and in eSATA for Mac/PC. With the LaCie Shortcut Button, you can easily launch any application in one push, such as the included Genie Backup Assistant software with data restore for Windows or Intego Backup Assistant software with data restore for Mac. The unique, fanless aluminum heat sink design with 60% more surface area for heat dissipation keeps it quiet and safe. External FireWire/i.LINK 400 FireWire/i.LINK 800 Hard Drive LaCie Mac PC USB 2.0 Yes d2 d2 Quadra External Hard Drive eSATA www.lacie.com

LaCie AC Power Adapter $29.99 110 V AC 12 V DC 2.20 A 220 V AC 38 W 5 V DC 50 Hz 60 Hz 800043 LaCie Desktop Hard Disk 1TB AC Adapter AC Power Adapter External Removable Disk Drive LaCie www.lacie.com