"There are two types of computer users in the world; those who have lost data, and those that will."

This is a saying common in computer "techie" circles, because we find that once someone lost data, they take the precautions not to have it happen again. We don't want you to be in the second group, either! So learn from the mistakes of others, save your data on a reliable source, and you will not suffer through having to recreate a file, grade book, etc.

We recommend that you store files on 1) the SAN Network storage, 2) a USB drive, or 3) CDs or DVDs. Below is further information on each type of data storage device/media available.

"Floppies" are a very common means of storage, but are being phased out since floppies do not hold much data and are unreliable. Floppies were very popular for a long time since they were inexpensive and portable. Many new computers do not come with a floppy drive without an added cost now. Floppies may lose or corrupt your data due to old age, dust, improper storage, or storage near magnetic objects. We strongly suggest you transfer your files to one of the recommended media.

Zip disks are another older form of data storage and cost about $15 dollars. Zip disks only work in a Zip drive. Zip drives are installed on many of the computer at Ferris, but are not installed on many computers off campus. They also are subject to corruption like a floppy disk. Considering price and technology, we also suggest copying files from these to a different media.

CDs-Come in two forms: R, and RW. Most recently purchased computers come with a CDRW device. With a CD-R disk, you can only write to it one time, and cannot change the files once they are written. CD-RW media allow you to add and rewrite files to it . Most hold 700MB of data, and are inexpensive. Some older computers have a CD drive that can only read a CD, and some can only create files on a CD-R, but all can read info off any data CD.

DVD-R and RWs are the used like CD-R and RWs, except they hold 4GBs of data. A DVD "burner" (aka DVDRW drive) is needed to write on the storage media.

USB Sticks or Thumb Drives are the one of the newer form of data storage, and will work on practically any computer with a USB port. They have no moving parts so they are nearly incorruptible. They range in size from 32MB to 4GB, and possibly more. Most can attach to your key ring. These are choice for those "on the go."

Hard Drives, commonly known as the "C:drive", are the most popular form of data storage. Most PC based programs by default save files to your computer’s hard drive. Hard drives can fail at any time. That is why it is good to always back up your data on another form of media for safe keeping.

The Storage Area Network (SAN) drives are the best way to save data (often known as the J: drive, or H: drive). At Ferris you are given a set amount of space to save your data, but you can get more if needed. This data is saved to the SAN on the Network. A SAN is a system that has many hard drives set up in a way that if one fails, the data is still safe. In addition, the information is backed up on tape and stored off-site for years. This is the way we encourage and prefer that use for all of your important data storage. We also encourage you to keep at least 2 back ups of your important data.

Below is a summary of the advantages and disadvantages to the typical storage devices. In addition to this, you will find a graph showing the reliability of each device type.