The story begins with a famous phrase that speaks volumes: "If information isn't stored in three places, it doesn't exist." Whether coined by a great thinker or passed down as a folk saying, the accuracy of this statement has been proven time and time again by personal experience and that of friends.



 When it comes to storing electronic data, there are several options from cloud services, such as Google Photos and iCloud, to physical media like NAS (network-attached storage). The choice ultimately depends on personal preferences and needs, but it's essential to keep in mind the importance of having multiple backups of important files.
As technology continues to advance, the methods and tools for data storage will also evolve, and it's crucial to stay informed and adapt accordingly.

One option for storing essential files is to purchase standard 2.5" hard drives and back up your data on them periodically, keeping them in a safe place like a bedside table, safe, or with a trusted family member.

 Although this method may seem easy, it's important to keep in mind that hard drives can fail unexpectedly, as experienced by the author and their friend who lost a decade's worth of family archives due to a failed HDD. Paranoia and the importance of backup storage are emphasized.

Other options discussed include cloud services like Google Photos and Yandex Disk, portable HDDs, NAS systems, and RAID setups, with each having their own pros and cons. The growing trend towards cloud and remote hosting is highlighted for its convenience, but ultimately the choice depends on personal preferences and budget.

The author also touches on the decrease in physical photo albums and the rise of online viewing and listening services. As technology continues to evolve, it's important to stay informed and adapt one's methods of storing and accessing data accordingly. The author invites discussion on which option readers prefer to use.

For several years, I had a 1TB Travel Star in my computer until one morning when it began making clicking noises. Fortunately, I didn't have to restore anything since I had a backup stored on an external drive.

Prior to this incident, I had been using the free version of Mega.nz for my file storage needs but after realizing the high prices for screws in physical stores, I decided to upgrade my account. Now, I pay Mega 4.99 euros per month for 500GB of storage and regularly synchronize changes with an external drive. This is how I manage my data now.