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?

  • oleorun@real.lemmy.fanEnglish
    0·
    6 months ago

    From what I researched, the average lifespan of HDs and SSDs is no more than 10 years.

    Is this running or not running though? I think a bunch of flash chips, properly stored, would last quite a while

    • Dave.@aussie.zoneEnglish
      0·
      6 months ago

      Flash chip cells are basically tiny electron traps, they consist of a tiny stored charge surrounded on all sides by an insulator. When writing to the cell you fill it with some electrons via (much handwaving here) a method of quantum tunneling. You can then read the cell by sensing the internal charge without disturbing it.

      When not in use eventually enough charge tunnels out of the cell via random quantum tunneling events for it to read nothing. This is worsened when things are hotter, so maybe keeping your flash chips in the freezer would help.

      Consumer flash memory, I probably wouldn’t expect more than 20 or 30 years of offline storage out of it. The older chips would last longer, because their cells are bigger, and you’re not trying to read multiple charge levels per cell like the newer stuff.

    • cmnybo@discuss.tchncs.deEnglish
      0·
      6 months ago

      New SLC flash can store data for about 100 years when kept at room temperature. The data retention time will drop with write cycles though. Consumer SSDs use TLC or QLC flash, which is only guaranteed for 1 year of offline data retention, but it will probably be good for several years if it’s not worn out.