External Storage Devices: Types, Advantages and Techniques

External storage is a term used to describe any data-keeping device, such as a disk or a stream tape, located outside the computer. Typically, the term "external storage" refers to devices that connect directly to the computer via interfaces; for network-linked data storages, other terms like "network storage," "cloud storage," or "data server" are used.

Most modern external backup devices connect to a computer via USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 interface. More exotic (but still commonly used) types of interfaces include FireWire and external SATA (eSATA) plugs. Interfaces differ significantly in data transfer speed, availability and specifications of built-in power lines, and the maximum length of plug cords. Except for different versions of USB, all interfaces have mechanically different connection plugs and outlets as well.

Advantages of External Storage Backup

• The primary advantage of external storage is that all backed-up data are physically moved away from the computer unit. Therefore, in the event of theft, destruction, or serious hardware malfunction of the computer unit, the backed-up data remain unaffected. Of course, ensuring maximum security for external storage devices containing important data backups is a separate task.
• Another significant advantage of external device backup units is mobility. You can move almost any existing external backup device to another location and connect it to another computer unit with the appropriate interface. This method allows easy cloning and mirroring of any data set, such as restoring an entire data disk image to another machine.
• The third useful feature of external storage backup units is that these devices allow modular construction of a data vault. You can add unit to unit physically for backing up or simply accommodate the ever-growing volumes of your precious data without upgrading or rebuilding your main computer or touching the computer's main data storages, such as the system drive.

Technique of Backup to External Storage Devices

Selection of external backup devices depends entirely on data types and total size, as well as the goals set for the particular backup task. Backup files to a flash memory USB drive to ensure the important information is secured and always at hand. Place large amounts of data on external hard disks for more convenient and economically efficient usage of data storage space. Utilize immovable, externally-powered disk arrays with some sort of RAID configured for the most secure and stable data protection, complemented by the integration of continuous data protection software.

Choosing the Right External Devices for Backup: eSata, FireWire, or USB?

Data backup is a crucial requirement for daily business and various user activities. Whether you're considering a hard drive clone, formulating a server backup strategy, or simply relocating valuable data to a secure location, relying solely on local storage devices may not be sufficient. Many users opt to connect external devices, providing an alternative location for their data. The use of robust and efficient HDD backup software is integral to this process.

Allow us to offer insights into some popular external backup devices, assisting you in choosing the product that best suits your needs from a diverse range of external storage options. While we may not present comprehensive tests or technical reviews, we can highlight fundamental characteristics common to external storage devices for comparison.

Types of Direct Connections to External Devices

Two types of external direct-attached storages (DASes) are widely popular and readily available: USB pen drives and external hard drives. Additionally, the advent of bridge technology introduced external flash drives (SSDs) in the form factor of an external 2.5" drive.

The standard interface for external drives is the USB plug, available in both the widespread USB 2.0 and the relatively new USB 3.0 connection standard, which is ten times faster than its predecessor. Other popular interfaces include FireWire (available in two version standards), external serial ATA (eSATA), and the modern, ultra-fast Thunderbolt interface exclusive to Apple computers.

Almost every HDD or flash memory producer offers external drives with one or more connection interfaces. Among the most popular manufacturers are giants like Hitachi, LaCie, Iomega, Buffalo, and SunDisk. The functionality, economic benefits, and technical quality of external devices from these manufacturers will be detailed in the next chapter.

Manufacturers of DASes: Can You Choose the Right External Backup Solution?

Certainly, you can. Nowadays, there's no need for case studios. Every manufacturer of external data storage units can provide an appealing and useful product. Consider factors such as interface, price, available and required storage, and, in some cases, design before making your choice.

• Buffalo backup devices. Buffalo often produces relatively large, bulky external storages. Opt for a Buffalo backup device when you need a ready-to-use, reliable standalone unit. Most Buffalo backup units use USB connections, but Thunderbird and eSATA units are also available. An example is the DriveStation Axis, using the USB 3.0 interface.
• LaCie backup devices. LaCie traditionally manufactures devices known for their design and innovation. LaCie freely experiments with modern connection interfaces. If you need a specific data plug for your external device, consider LaCie first. The typical drawback of LaCie backup devices is a relatively high price tag. Products like the posh Porsche Design device types, e.g., ‘9220 model, are indicative of LaCie's external drives.
• Hitachi backup devices. Hitachi hard drives are reliable workhorses in the HDD world, functioning as both built-in and external devices throughout the modern computer infrastructure. The typical modern Hitachi backup unit is the XL Desktop Drive model.
• Iomega backup devices. Similar to LaCie, Iomega doesn't manufacture its HDDs or flash memory units. Iomega devices serve as cases for different storage modules. Some Iomega backup drive product lines, including the 2.5" eGo and 3.5" Prestige Desktop series, are widely available on the market.
• SanDisk backup devices. SanDisk is a revered manufacturer of flash memory units, offering a range of products, including 2.5" SSDs, memory cards, and USB pen drives. The SanDisk Extreme series, featuring external and built-in SSD devices, USB, and memory cards, represents their most current product line.

Choosing among these manufacturers might seem tricky, but nowadays it's straightforward. Select what suits you, plug it in, and use it confidently.

HDD Backup Software and Other Automation Tools

Almost every manufacturer provides backup devices with accompanying software for external drive backup. While these utilities are comfortable and reliable, they may have somewhat restricted functionality. The main drawback is their dedication to a specific manufacturer or device.

If you use various drives with different interfaces, you might opt for more universal and versatile backup software for tasks such as database backup or disk cloning.

For example, Handy Backup can utilize any type of external device as both the data source and backup destination, performing all necessary operations with equal efficiency, regardless of the device you're using. With just one click, you can execute backup tasks using any external device plugged into your computer.

You can try a demo version of Handy Backup without any restrictions to the functionality for 30 days. Download it now and experience the power of this reliable backup software solution, designed to meet all your needs with peak efficiency!

See also:

System Backup - Clone your computer's operating system, drivers, and registry entries.

Disk Image Backup - Create a snapshot (image) of a hard drive, independently of its file system (for Windows, Linux, and other files).

External Hard Drive Auto Backup - Robust support for various types of hard drives allows HDD-to-HDD cloning.

Backup to USB Flash Drives - Automatically filter, compress, encrypt, and copy important files to a backup USB drive.