[ale] [OT] Lifespan of Storage Devices

[philip at turmel.org (Phil Turmel)]

On 07/28/2012 02:18 PM, JD wrote:

[trim /]

> For really critical data, keep a local backup, a remote backup 3 states away and
> local optical backup with par2 files to watch for bitrot.  At the first sign of
> bitrot on any of the media, I assume they will all fail shortly and switch in
> new media. Reburning a fresh optical disk with new par2 files finishes out this
> safety net.  There are probably more copies of this critical data around, but I
> only maintain 3.  These are backups, not the hot-copy used daily. If I were
> backing up DVDs or Bluray media, the original media disks would never be touched
> by anyone after the backup copies were made the same day the new media arrived.
> 
> The availability of par2 files has saved some important family photos and home
> movies about 5 times the last 10 yrs.  dd_rescue (or the other version) is not
> enough.

Thank you!  I've been thinking about writing a Reed-Solomon file
reconstructor tool, not realizing it has already been done.

"par2" is now added to my toolbox.

Phil