| huge amount of data stored on computers at home | | | | USB devices often serve as backup mass data |
| and in businesses, combined with the need to protect | | | | storage devices. External hard drives can backup all |
| the files from disaster, has resulted in the need for | | | | of the programs on a computer hard drive with or |
| backup mass data storage. Often when backups are | | | | without the data files. It acts as a mirror of the |
| full of copies of a network with increments of file | | | | existing hard drive and can restore a damaged |
| changes, the backup is even larger than the originals. | | | | computer easily. Flash memory devices are good |
| Because the data needs vary greatly, so do the | | | | options for both permanent storage and portable |
| backup mass data storage devices that meet them. | | | | storage. The USB Implementers Forum has come up |
| All Shapes and Sizes | | | | with a standardized set of communications protocols |
| Large businesses often store backups on tape | | | | for backup mass data storage using USB. This |
| devices. Sometimes the entire network is copied at | | | | ensures that all devices whether for external storage, |
| regular intervals and the tapes are stored and then | | | | digital cameras or cell phones will work with the USB |
| reused. Sometimes the network is copied, and then | | | | port on a computer regardless of the manufacturer. |
| supplemented with taped copies of only the changes | | | | This includes the operating systems of most |
| made since the last copy was completed. The copies | | | | computers. |
| have to be made at times when the network is not | | | | The need for backup mass data storage devices |
| being used, and the tapes have to be stored | | | | began with large businesses like banks and stock |
| carefully and replaced before they become worn. | | | | exchanges, and has now filtered down to small |
| Other backup mass data storage devices use discs | | | | businesses and home computers. The important thing |
| such as CD’s or DVD’s. The procedure | | | | to keep in mind is to make sure that otherwise |
| is similar to that used with tapes. Because tape reels | | | | irreplaceable files are backed up for protection. |
| can hold more data, the discs have to be changed | | | | Whether the files consist of credit card numbers for |
| manually as they become full. Compression is used to | | | | thousands of customers or the first photos of |
| fit more data on each device. For individual files, or | | | | someone’s grandchild, backup mass data |
| those on a home computer, a zip drive may be | | | | storage devices can be lifesavers. |
| sufficient to compress the data for storage. | | | | |