What potentially holds the most data: a CD, DVD or memory stick?

[franch]

I find memory sticks handy but am not sure whether to use one for backing up my files - no idea how much data I have yet - anyone know how big they go, compared with disks?

I know nothing about these things so go easy on me

[NorthernLurkerwithastarontop]

No idea - memory sticks are so easy to lose though - bump for you anyway

[howtheBOOKTHIEFstolechristmas]

I've got a 4GB memory stick but it still doesn't hold enough (have tons of photos and music cluttering up my laptop).

I think a CD is about 80MB? But they're cheap so you could just use loads if you have lots of files rather than a few big ones.

Ive also had a look at external hard-drives. Amazon sell some that are about the size of an ipod and hold about 150GB, for around £50.

I've only got a laptop so am seriously considering the external drive, though I should just be more organised and make up lots of CDs really.

Will watch this thread with interest.

[franch]

thanks northern

[howtheBOOKTHIEFstolechristmas]

Sorry, 700MB on a CD.

[PortAndLemonaid]

A DVD is normally 4.7 GB, a CD about 800MB (so a DVD holds a lot more than a CD).

You can get memory sticks in a range of sizes. A memory stick that is more than 4.7 GB will hold more than a DVD, while a memory stick that is more than 4.7 GB will hold less... (most of them are still less than 4.7 GB these days).

[franch]

Thing is, bookthief, I'm more worried about theft than viruses etc (possibly wrongly, but have a Mac and they seem to be less vulnerable) - wouldn't an external HD tend to hang around close to the computer (ours is a desktop)?

I take your point about CDs and cost - possibly best option

[franch]

Ah, thanks Port. Hmm.

[howtheBOOKTHIEFstolechristmas]

I'm looking at something like this - not sure what I'd actually do with 120GB though!

[howtheBOOKTHIEFstolechristmas]

It just has a USB connection I think so could be easily locked away when not needed if that was important?

Hopefully someone who actually uses these sort of things will be along to advise you.

[PartridgeinaRustyBearTree]

You could also think about online storage

[franch]

Thanks bookthief

And thanks partridge - yes, used online before with our old PC and am planning to use the .Mac/iDisk facility but they seem to recommend physical storage as well - I'm not sure how much iDisk capacity you can get

[opinionateddad]

don't forget a dual layer DVD will hold 8.5GB...