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So, I'm starting to get overwhelmed with the sheer volume of old photos, videos, and important documents accumulating across various devices and platforms. Hard drives are failing, cloud storage plans change, and I'm worried about losing irreplaceable memories. What's the best way to actually archive all this stuff for the long haul?
I'm not just talking about backing things up, but about creating a system that's reliable, accessible, and somewhat future-proof. Is it best to spread the risk across multiple physical external drives, or invest in a robust NAS solution? Is there a recommended file format that's likely to remain readable for decades to come? what about cloud storage considerations beyond just the initial cost (privacy, long-term availability, etc.)?
Even just deciding on an organizational system feels daunting. Do you prefer a chronological folder structure,or tagging based on subject matter? What metadata should I be embedding to make future searches easier? I'm really interested to hear what strategies people have found effective for preserving their digital histories. Any advice or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated!