Final answer:
An external hard drive is a good choice for backing up large amounts of data, given its high storage capacity and fast data transfer rates. While flash drives offer portability, they have lower capacity and are easier to damage or lose. Cloud storage provides excellent accessibility but depends on internet connectivity and may have ongoing costs and privacy issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
When deciding on the best storage device to backup information, factors like security, accessibility, storage capacity, durability, and cost need to be considered.
An external hard drive is a popular choice for backing up data. It is known for its relatively high storage capacities and quick data transfer rates. External hard drives attach to computers, often using USB connections, and can store large amounts of data, including photos, videos, and documents. They are particularly useful for backing up large files, as mentioned in Figure 12.1, which describes the process of magnetically encoding information on such devices.
On the other hand, while a flash drive is portable and convenient for smaller files, it may not be the best solution for long-term storage due to its lower storage capacity and potential for loss or damage. Cloud storage services offer excellent accessibility and off-site backup, which means they are not susceptible to local disasters like fire or theft. However, they are dependent on internet connectivity and recurring costs, and there are concerns around data privacy.
Compared to CDs, which were once common for storing music and data due to their decent storage capacity and retrievability by laser technology, modern external hard drives and cloud services offer much more storage and durability. CDs can be easily scratched, making them unreliable for long-term storage, and they don't offer the same storage capacity as more modern solutions.