cross-posted from: https://lemmy.eco.br/post/4492477

How to store digital files for posterity? (hundreds of years)

How to store digital files for posterity? (hundreds of years)

I have some family videos and audios and I want to physically save them for posterity so that it lasts for periods like 200 years and more. This allows great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren to have access.

From the research I did, I found that the longest-lasting way to physically store digital content is through CD-R gold discs, but it may only last 100 years. From what I researched, the average lifespan of HDs and SSDs is no more than 10 years.

I came to the conclusion that the only way to ensure that the files really pass from generation to generation is to record them on CDs and distribute them to the family, asking them to make copies from time to time.

It’s crazy to think that if there were suddenly a mass extinction of the human species, intelligent beings arriving on Earth in 1000 years would probably not be able to access our digital content. While cave paintings would probably remain in the same place.

What is your opinion?

    • @Mikufan@ani.socialEnglish
      -1•8 months ago

      I talked specifically about the disks itself, not the HDD in general, the HDD contains a SSD wich needs power to stay alive.

      My point was that the plates themselves will keep the data forever unless they are exposed to strong magnetic interferences (earths own magic field isn’t really a problem as its pretty stable, it’s mostly bringing other magnets close or having them exposed in a solar storm wich would cause actual damage to the plate)

      • @pelletbucket@lemm.eeEnglish
        6•8 months ago

        I don’t think I’ve had a conversation that felt so much like Reddit on Lemmy until just now. when stored at a non-absolute zero temperature, magnetic discs are subject to thermal relaxation, even if they’re kept at a steady temperature. besides the fact that you’re going to pretend like we weren’t specifically talking about the HDD plates, I’m not continuing this conversation because holy shit you’re just trying to be frustrating