Backup to DVD: how to backup efficiently

Amount of data to backup

A backup to DVD is suitable for amount of data ranging from about 3 to 50 Gb of data. Less or more data should raise questions regarding the necessity of using DVD as a storage backup medium. Such amount of data provides a convenient way of backing up and restoring the files. Using more than 10+ discs to backup data may be less convenient, but still may be used under certain circumstances.

Preparing data and DVD

Just as with the backup to CD, first the data needs to be organized. This will help finding the right file to restore and ease managing the backups. Secondly, the DVDs should be numbered or labeled using a marker, which will also help finding the right disc to restore the required file. Thirdly, if it is DVD-/+R discs, they should preferably be brand new, if it is DVD-/+RW discs, they should be erased before usage.

Quality media

It is most advisable to use good quality media like Verbatim, Taiyo Yuden, etc. Using quality discs ensures quality writing and, most importantly, restoring. Using low quality discs results in the same costs after all, as some discs may not be written to, which is less convenient too.

After the backup

When using a backup program, the operation needs to be launched - one just needs to enter the DVDs one by one. After the backup is finished, it is important to check if the backup was successful. Copying files from a disc to a hard drive or restoring a file should be sufficient. Also, the discs should be put into a box and stored safe, the farther the better.