Where is the backup?
Many call these externals backup but let's say it fails. Do you lose anything? If so, that's no backup. For us to have backups that means more than 1 and if we want to keep in a state of backup when something fails we must have 3 copies on 3 devices. That way when one fails we continue to be in a state of backup even when an unit has expired.
As to longer lasting. These are 5 year designs. This is another reason to ponder what is backup.
Bob
I have a Seagate free agent external drive which I use primarily for backup and to store my pictures . I don,t use it often but I do use it on occassion. Recently I have read a lot about these drives going bad. I would hate to lose my pictures so I have unplugged the drive and just turn it on when I want to use it (which is a nuisance). What I would like opinions on is whether this is helping to prolong the life of the drive or can I keep it on all the time without noticably shortening the life of the drive.

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