The average person, nowadays, has more digital files than ever. And most have nowhere to store them. Free cloud storage was revolutionary in the early 2010s, but you might have concerns about leaving your files in the hands of a faceless company.
If you’re considering switching to local backup, here’s everything you need to know.
Reasons You Should Make the Switch
There are countless reasons to skip cloud storage altogether and switch to locally backing up your files.
Cost
Using local storage for terabytes of data is much cheaper in the long run. Cloud storage is expensive, and good cloud storage is even more so. As long as you invest in quality storage devices and take care of them, they could last you a lifetime.
Control
With local storage, you have complete control over your files; from the level of security to people you share them with. You don’t need to hope other people protect your files when you do it yourself.
Permanence
Cloud storage isn’t a permanent or stable option. Your cloud storage company of choice could go out of business any day, and you’d end up having to move thousands of files somewhere else on short notice. You might end up choosing the wrong provider and having to move again shortly after.
Accessibility
Accessibility can work both for and against cloud storage. For one, you need an internet connection to access your files. And while the internet is pretty widespread nowadays, if you’re going somewhere rural, you’d be completely cut off. The same goes if you live somewhere with a spotty internet connection.
Types of Local Storage
Now, making the switch needs some preparation. Not all storage devices are created equal. That’s why you should sit down and plan your offline storage and backup layout before going out and buying expensive storage devices.
External Hard Drives
An external hard drive (EHD) is like the hard drive inside your computer or laptop, but portable. It’s a storage solution that’s anywhere from a few dozen gigabytes and fits in your pocket, to terabytes and needs an external power source.
Because they can carry lots of data, EHDs are perfect for long-term storage for files you don’t access often—think family photos and films, or complete projects.
Flash Drives
A flash drive, or a USB stick, is one of the most popular storage options out there. While much smaller than an EHD, some flash drives are hundreds of gigabytes big and still fit in your wallet.
Flash drives are the perfect choice for short-term storage, where you need to access the files a lot or frequently update its content. Another cool thing about flash drives is you can store an OS on one, such as Linux or Tails. So you can carry multiple OSes in your pocket if you need the flexibility on the go.
Memory Cards
Memory cards are an excellent storage option because of their size and flexibility. You can access a microSD card using your phone, no need for a laptop, or a fancy adapter. They also work with cameras and video game consoles.
They are tiny but can reach a capacity of half a terabyte. While you shouldn’t depend on microSD cards as your primary storage solution, having one or two can come in handy.
CDs and DVDs
Although a bit on the older side, CDs and DVDs still work as cheap and permanent storage or for sharing information with people offline. Depending on your main device, you might need to get an external CD and DVD drive, but they’re an option to keep in mind.
How to Do It Right
Not using local storage correctly is why everyone jumped on board with free cloud storage. But if you’re set on making the switch, here’s how to do it right.
Label and Organize
It’s easy to lose the whereabouts of your files when there isn’t a search bar. For offline storage to work, you need a system for where everything goes and label them. But the rules are flexible; you can order them by type, by date, or category—such as work, school, personal, family, etc. Also, consider the type of storage, depending on how often you need them.
Regularly Update
Your external storage is not going to backup itself. You might not face this issue with EHDs, as they should mostly contain complete files. Set a reminder on your phone for regular updates to make you don’t lose files in case of an emergency.
Protect From the Elements
Most external storage devices are sensitive to outside elements such as extreme cold or heat, direct sunlight, and water. Unless you want to lose your expensive drive and with it all your files, make sure you store them somewhere cool and dry.
Look for Early Signs of Malfunction
If you hear any screeching from your EHD or notice any of your external storage devices under-performing, immediately get a replacement before they break. Those are signs your hard drive is failing. But if you use them with care and infrequently—in the case of EHDs—this shouldn’t be a common occurrence.
No Shame in Double Backup
If you have irreplaceable files, don’t hesitate to store them on two different storage devices. That way, you won’t lose them even if one fails.
Disadvantages of Going Offline
This wouldn’t be an honest post if it doesn’t go into all the disadvantages you may encounter when you switch to strictly using local storage.
Accessibility
The only way to access your files is to have the storage device on hand, which requires planning in advance before any trip or commute. That’s something you won’t face with cloud storage as long as you have a solid internet connection.
Security
Most external storage options are easy to steal because of their small size. It’s your responsibility to password protect everything with personal information to maintain your privacy.
Maintenance
When using cloud storage, the providing company is responsible for the routine maintenance of the servers. But that burden shifts onto you when switching to 100 percent offline storage.
Cost
While local storage is cheaper in the long run, it requires a hefty investment upfront to get quality hardware, especially if you have terabytes worth of files.
Insecurity
If you lose one of your devices, accidentally break it, or if it gets stolen, unless you double-backed it, your files are lost forever. That’s another con you’re unlikely to face using a reputable cloud storage service.
Make an Informed Decision
It’s important that you understand the pros and cons of switching from cloud to local backups before taking the leap. Going for it is an excellent decision if you’re someone who values privacy and control over convenience and willing to put in the work.
Image Credit: Piqsels
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