Data storage

I disagree with your post.
If the backup disks are sound then the backups can be restored.
- If the host computer is defective then, naturally, it needs to be repaired or replaced before any restoration can take place.
- But if any of the network computers still work then they can be used temporarily.
- A mobile phone is also an acceptable short-term substitute.
- - I have a phone anyway so I'm not spending more to have that facility.
- - I have software on my phone that enables me to read my files.

@Henry - If you are going to buy a spare computer now, as suggested by jimbo, then fine. If you might consider using a smartphone as a temporary substitute in the event of your computer melting then do say so.


Denis

In the end, the key things to remember are:

1. Critical data - backup in two separate locations (use usb hard drives or NAS best). Mega critical data (e.g. files of dear old Gran), you may even backup to 3 locations.

2. If possible, one of the locations should be offsite (so fire flood etc do not destroy all copies)

3. Cloud locations are a really good solution if you haved enough storage - many plans come with 15 GB free and that is a lot of photos. Also, you can use multiple cloud services.

4. Less critical data (i.e. data you could afford to lose without too many tears) , make sure you backup to one location at least.

Everybody has to define a strategy that suits them e.g. I put all critical data on a usb hard drive and onedrivedaily. Less critical data only to usb hard drive maybe weekly, Data I can easily redownload, I backup to a usb drive maybe every 3 months.

The crucial point is to sort your data into categories - I use 3 categories e.g. critical (disaster if lost), important (not a disaster if lost but still annoying), unimportant (shrug my shoulders if lost). Some people may prefer additional categories between important and unimportant e.g. fairly important etc.

Then you decide where to backup, and how frequently.

Of course, you could categories everything as "critical" but then you end up with lots of data being backed up frequently, using lots of storage. Nothing wrong with that if you have lots of space (and fast internet etc).

If you take that approach, you should consider tools like freefilesync etc.

As an aside, imaging tools are really not the best way to backup data - reliable yes, but data is more difficult to manage.

Perhaps the most important thing to realise is that there is no "Onesize fits all"solution. Everybody's needs are different. Good backup strategies require thought. Invest some time on that, and you can minimise disaster scenarios without excessive effort.