Types of External Storage

Choosing an external storage format

External storage refers to any type of backup format that isn't on your computer. This can be a piece of hardware, software, or even a Web service. There are many types of external storage available, so when choosing external storage, balance the cost and convenience with the amount of information you're backing up.

Types of external storage

Whether you use the Windows XP Backup utility or some other backup software, you'll need a place to store your backup copies. Below are some storage formats to consider. If you can, use a storage system that gets your information out of the house-or office.

If you already have a place to store your information, learn how to back up your files.

Storage Type What It Is Pros Cons

External drives such as Iomega drives:

  • Zip drive (up to 750MB) for the casual user
  • Hard disk drive (up to 250 GB) for the heavy user

A Zip drive is a disk drive developed by Iomega that uses removable disks (Zip disks) to store hundreds of megabytes of data.
  • Includes backup software
  • Range of storage options
  • You must invest in the hardware, and in some cases, disks as well

CD-R or CD-RW*

*You need a CD-R or CD-RW drive to burn files onto CDs.

A CD-R is a compact disc onto which you can burn information if you have a CD-R or CD-RW drive. (The "R" in CD-R stands for "recordable." RW stands for "re-writable.")
  • Many newer computers come with a built in CD-R and/or CD-RW drive
  • CD-R and CD-RW discs can hold up to 700MB
  • You need to buy a CD-R or CD-RW drive if your computer doesn't come with one
  • Can be tricky to get just the right amount of information onto a disc

DVD-R or DVD-RW*

*You need a DVD-R or DVD-RW drive to burn files onto DVDs.

A DVD-R is a DVD onto which you can burn information if you have a DVD-R drive.
  • One disc stores gigabytes of information
  • You need to buy a DVD-R or DVD-RW drive if your computer doesn't come with one
  • The drive may not come with back-up software

Online backup and storage such as Iomega iStorage

An online storage service lets you save files online. If you have Internet access, you can get your files from the online storage site whenever you need.

  • Automatically gets your information out of the house or office
  • Includes download and back-up software
  • You may be required to pay a monthly fee for backing up and storing your files
  • If the company's servers go down, you may not be able to access your files
  • If the company is hacked, your information could be stolen
  • If the company goes out of business, you lose your back-up resource

Related Links

  • Backup Basics - There are lots of ways you can lose information on a computer. You can protect your files - and yourself - by regularly making backup copies and storing them in a separate place.
  • How to Back Up Your Files - After you've decided what you want to back up and where you're going to store it, you're ready to learn how to back up.
  • Protecting Your Backup Files - Backing up is just the first step. You'll want your important personal files and information there when you need them. Here are a few suggestions to help you protect them.