Cloud or External Hard Drive?
A guide to store your data (Personal use).
Introduction
Data has been stored on external hard drives for many years. External hard drives are utilised for a variety of purposes, as they provide greater storage space. They can store any form of file, including software and application files. Today, an external hard drive is not the only means to store data. Cloud computing has grown in popularity as more and more individuals discover its convenience for storing personal files.
External hard drives
External hard drives have been our traditional method of file storage for years. Typically, we use them when our laptops lack sufficient storage space. People use them to store images, documents, and videos, although this list is not exhaustive. Multiple criteria are used to determine which external drive is optimal for you.
We all have, at some point in our lives, bought or downloaded games to our personal device. It could be on your phone, PlayStation, Xbox, or any console of your choice. Frequently, after downloading multiple games, our device or console runs out of storage capacity, which creates frustration since we must delete old games in order to make way for new ones. Therefore, the majority of gamers utilise external hard drives to boost their storage capacity for video games.
Another instance applies to Apple fans who enjoy their versatile product mix. However, there are certain applications or programmes that only operate on Windows, which can be a major inconvenience. No one wants to install a second operating system on their computer because doing so typically slows it down and lowers the amount of drive space available for the primary operating system’s programmes. The answer to this problem for Apple users is to install Windows on an external hard drive for running such programmes.
Computers are not eternal. Depending on the upgrading components, the average lifespan of a computer is between five and eight years. We store our entire lives on computers. They contain essential documents and life memories. For this reason, it is necessary to back up your data on an external hard drive in case something happens to your computer.
Cloud
The cloud refers to software and services hosted on the Internet. There are similarities between cloud storage and external hard drives; we can store our data and run apps on either of them. The distinction is that the cloud is internet-based rather than physical. There are a variety of cloud platforms, including iCloud, Google Drive, One Drive, and Drop Box, that can be utilised to store data or run applications.
Businesses employ clouds for a variety of purposes, depending on their needs.
When you need to access files remotely, storing data in the cloud is a lifesaver. Imagine that you have an important meeting and are hurrying to get to work in the morning, only to realise upon arrival that you forgot your laptop, which holds your presentation and other documents. This is where the cloud comes in. If your presentation and other documents are stored on the cloud, you can view them from anywhere and on any device, even without the forgotten laptop.
The cloud eliminates the need to transfer photographs, movies, files, and documents via USB ports. For instance, you have decided to go on vacation and have captured breath-taking photographs and videos. Your memories can be backed up quickly in the cloud, where you can access them from anywhere using a laptop, tablet, television, or any other device that supports your preferred cloud platform.
Cloud or External Hard Drive?
Clouds and external hard drives both have pros and cons. As a physical object, external hard drives are highly expensive and susceptible to damage or loss. The disadvantage of cloud computing is that it requires internet connectivity. Additionally, it can be hacked.
A benefit of external hard drives is that they do not require an internet connection, allowing you to effortlessly back up your data. Additionally, they have a large storage capacity. If you opt to utilise an external hard drive, it is essential to encrypt it in order to safeguard your contents.
The benefit of cloud storage is that files are accessible from anywhere. I recommend backing up data to both the cloud and an external hard drive to ensure security of your files.
Thank you for reading!
