Long term storage solutions

If you are really thinking of Long Time storage physical devices may not last long enough but iCloud and other Cloud Drives will.

1. Hard Drives:
   1. Advantages:
      1. Physical Ownership: With a hard drive, you have direct physical control over your data. You can access it offline and have the ability to transfer, copy, and manipulate files as needed.
      2. Cost-Effective for Large Storage: Hard drives are generally cheaper per unit of storage compared to cloud storage, making them a cost-effective option for storing large amounts of data.
      3. High Transfer Speeds: When connected directly to your computer, hard drives can provide faster data transfer speeds compared to cloud storage, especially when dealing with large files.
   2. Disadvantages:
      1. Limited Accessibility: Since hard drives are physical devices, they are limited to a specific location. You need to have a hard drive with you to access your data, which can be inconvenient if you need to access your files from different devices or locations.
      2. Risk of Loss or Damage: Hard drives can be susceptible to physical damage, such as being dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures. If a hard drive fails, there is a risk of data loss unless you have proper backups.
      3. Backup and Redundancy Responsibility: You need to take responsibility for backing up your data on hard drives. It requires diligence to ensure that your important files are regularly backed up and protected against potential failures.
2. Cloud Drives (Cloud Storage):
   1. Advantages:
      1. Accessibility and Synchronization: Cloud drives allow you to access your files from any device with an internet connection, making them highly convenient for remote access and collaboration. Changes made to files on one device are automatically synced to other devices.
      2. Scalability: Cloud storage providers typically offer flexible storage options, allowing you to easily scale up or down your storage capacity based on your needs. You can quickly expand your storage space without the need to purchase additional physical hardware.
      3. Data Redundancy and Security: Cloud storage providers often implement data redundancy measures, including multiple backups in different locations, to protect against data loss. They also typically have robust security measures in place to safeguard your data from unauthorized access.
   2. Disadvantages:
      1. Internet Dependency: Access to cloud storage relies on a stable internet connection. If you have limited or no internet access, you may not be able to retrieve or work with your files.
      2. Privacy Concerns: Storing data in the cloud means trusting a third-party provider with your information. Depending on the provider and their policies, there may be concerns about data privacy and security breaches.
      3. Cost: While cloud storage offers flexibility, it can be more expensive in the long run, especially for large storage requirements. Some providers charge recurring monthly or annual fees based on the amount of storage used.

It's important to note that both hard drives and cloud drives have their place depending on individual needs. Some users may opt for a combination of both, utilizing hard drives for local storage and backups, while leveraging cloud storage for remote access, collaboration, and additional redundancy.

I have multiple copies of my photos on various cloud services: Google Photos, Dropbox, iCloud, Livedrive. All sync automatically from a computer and iOS devices, and all of them do a good job of avoiding duplicates. At one time I also downloaded them to flash drives, but I haven’t done that in a while.