Just in case my PC.went kapput

[kenny1234]

Is a memory stick basically used for backing-up info. obtained "off-line".e.g. my photos (I don't have any folders containing work etc.)I assume all web sites could be re-visited on the "new" PC.------or is there more to it??--Furthermore, if my photos were the only thing i needed to back-up, would a small stick be sufficient?

[Gavmacp]

Buy a hard drive and if important store elsewhere.

[sandyRoe]

I think if you had the photographs on Picasa they could be accessed from any computer

[Old_Geezer]

The memory stick acts as a normal disk. You can back things up to it but I've not found them reliable enough to want to risk data to a memory stick alone. I use mive to carry data files to whatever PC I wish to use them on.

In your shoes I'd back up to an external hard disk drive. As for size, well a lot depends on the number of photos you have and the size drive/stick you intend to buy. Check how much room your present files are taking up and use that as a guide for how large a drive you need for future requirements.

[Old_Geezer]

"use mine to" >:-(

[factor-fiction]

It's amazing how much you can hold though on a tiny memory stick

[Mobius1]

Memory sticks offer the benefit of portability, quick access and rugged reliability at the expense of cost per gigabyte of storage and capacity. In this regard they are best for carrying data around or for temporarily storing files that will often change, though they can be used to back up if the amount of data you're looking to make a back up of is small (less than around 16 gigabytes say).

Hard disk drives, particularly external ones are most commonly used. They are comparatively very cheap offering tens of gigabytes per pound spent (though production problems at present have seen prices escalate exponentially). However, due to having extremely precise and delicate moving parts they are more prone to failure with use and nowhere near as robust as flash storage.

[AlBags]

I think memory sticks are as good as anything .. good branded ones .. not cheapo chinese stuff.
They are fully portable, withstand knocks, being dropped, secure (you can use U3 technology to lock the content) go through washing machine, available all sizes, etc, etc.
And .. they will work in any PC/laptop with a USB port.
Plus .. you can hide them away for security.

[Old_Geezer]

Then maybe I've been unlucky. I've had a few Corsair Voyagers fail on me. I was under the impression they might be a good brand.