David Pogue of the New York Times poses this question in light of the constant changes in data storage technology, and questions regarding storage longevity.
The crux of the problem: older data storage technologies are easier to preserve, restore, and therefore retrieve and read. For example, we can still play back Edison’s original wax cylinders. Newer technologies are constantly being developed and the old technologies are quickly thrown aside. This happens so quickly that data not transferred is eventually ‘lost’. And, technologies like DVD can put errors into your data, because their recording method allows for interpolation and not exact copying. Interpolation creates errors……
Do you know what we really need? A process that transfers digital image files to analog film. I spend all of this time scanning my film, when the film will be readable long after the scanned technology has been discarded.
Read David pogue's article and decide for yourselves.... "Should You Worry About Data Rot?".
(Sorry but the NY Times may make you register to read this.....at least it is free)
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