[Adam Shapiro]

Originally Posted by Don Rotolo

Anyone who doesn't back up their data regularly - which might be a timeframe from daily to quarterly depending on circumstances - is a disaster waiting to happen. Those people will learn, the easy way or the hard way, but they'll learn.

Unfortunately this is the case way too many times. I see it almost every day when I'm working. Sometimes it is possible to retrieve data from a crashed system but it's not always easy and it's not always cheap. We always tell people when they purchase new machines (especially students purchasing computers before leaving for college) that it's extremely important to keep a backup, even if all you do is email yourself the most important documents.

Originally Posted by Don Rotolo

A Hard disk, properly cared for and not constantly powered, can retain data for over 100 years, much like a stamped DVD or CD.
...
The backups are just that - backups. You shouldn't have to access them, ever (do test them once in a while though), so keep the data on the Hard Disk.

The one thing that people often don't understand (which you did point out) is that the backup hard disk is not just another hard disk. A number of people (though probably relatively small compared to the total number using hard drive backups) have a tendency to leave their backup drives on so along with the machine. On top of that, people tend to access backup systems repeatedly, turning the backup into just another storage area. The truth of the matter is hard drives wear out over time. While it is possible for your particular drive to outlast its usefulness, constant use can certainly damage it to the point of failure. This is also a very good reason not to leave your computer on all day and night without any form of hibernation, as even though you may not be there the computer might still be accessing the drive.

In all the message is clear: backup your data, then remove it to a safe area until it is needed again.