Several backup media are available in the market to suit varying storage needs and budgets. However, in the early days, one had only two choices for backup media: magnetic tapes and 3.5 inch floppies.

The Floppy Story

In the old days, use of computers was restricted to small numbers and, therefore, data volume was relatively small in size. Tape media offered ample storage space for big data files. When the files did not require too much space, the floppy disk more than served the purpose. Floppy disks were easily available and very affordable.

Most of the older computers came with floppy drives so they could be universally used. Another advantage of floppy disks is that they are portable. However, with time the drawbacks have made floppy disks rather dated. They serve only small data storage needs, are vulnerable to magnetic influences, easily damaged and have a shelf life of only a few years.

Floppy Disks Continue to Exist

Considering that along with magnetic tapes, floppy disks were the initial backup media available, it is admirable that they continue to exist. The main reason why floppies continue to exist is because of their low cost. They are also the easiest or only way to transfer files with older systems. Floppy drives can be added to newer systems either internally or externally so they are not entirely redundant.

The Future of Floppy Disks

Data plays a role in almost every aspect of our lives and, as a result, there is a requirement for backup media with huge storage space. Computer users also want their work done fast and, therefore, look for storage media that can transfer data at a fast pace. Floppy disks have low capacity, low speed and low durability all of which has resulted in it being slowly phased out. Though attempts have been made to extend the floppy standard, users have moved on to more contemporary media. In fact, modern computers do not have an in-built floppy drive. The floppy disk’s days are indeed numbered.

Data Loss from Floppies

Data loss can happen from any storage device and the floppy disk is definitely no exception. In fact, a floppy disk is vulnerable to several factors, all of which can lead to data loss. A user can accidentally overwrite on files stored on a floppy disk and lose data this way. A floppy disk is not very hardy and is easily susceptible to physical damage through rough handling.

Storing floppy disks in wet or extremely hot conditions can also cause damage and lead to data loss. Since a floppy disk has a shelf life of only a few years, wear and tear after a period can automatically cause data loss. A virus attack is another reason behind data loss. Finally, since a floppy is small and light, it can be easily stolen or misplaced.

Data Recovery from a Damaged Floppy Disk

When a floppy disk is damaged due to any reason, whether logical or physical, it is best to hand over the medium to a data recovery expert. If the data is not valuable, then the expense may be unnecessary and one need not recover the data. However, if the data stored on the floppy disk is valuable, there are experts who will be able retrieve the data for a price.

Data recovery is a painstaking process that requires a fair amount of expertise. It is also important that the recovery process is carried out in the right environment, which is both cool and dust-free. Overwriting files, however, might cause permanent data loss and is extremely difficult though not impossible to recover. Data recovery is quite expensive but worth the expense to prevent permanently losing the data.

Conclusion

Since the whole point of data backup is to prevent data loss, it is necessary to archive floppy disks in the right manner. To prevent mix-up and overwriting of files, it is important that one label each floppy disk. They should be stored in a cool place that is dust-free. Further, a user should not handle a floppy disk roughly and should treat it with care. A regular check should be made of the data stored on floppies and, after a few years, it is best to create fresh backup.