[Andrew Blair]

Hmmm... I see one major issue wiith the DVD backup arguement. People should backup their data frequently. A DVD must be written, then erased again should data need to be changed. Should you have important important files, they are typically also changed often or added to often. Unless you compile an entire folder of important files, then burn them, you'll end up with many different disks: an un-organized, inconvenient backup system. Not to mention the fact the time it takes for you to compile the folder, leaving those file not backed up. (And I HATE having to use that little CD tray... It's sooo...mechanical...)

I will agree with you however that a DVD is likely more survivable in a flood disaster. Wet DVD vs. wet hard-drive? Probably the DVD will stand a better chance.

A more conservative and easier thing to do would be to use a backup hard drive often, then backup really important files every month or two or twelve on a DVD. That way, you retain an extremely convenient way to backup files, (hard drive, flash, etc.), while also occasionally doubly insuring your really important files. Cause DVD's are pretty resilient. (DVD vs. truck, hard drive vs. truck?)