Best external HD storage solution to backup data???

[Kryogen]

Hello, I want a storage solution for music and files, etc. Sick of the DVDs. I currently have 2 internal HD, but if the comp gets stolen, or theres an electrical problem, I fear losing both.

Whats the best way to do it ? Buy an external HD enclosure, and a WD 640gb HD, and use eSATA????

Is that it? Which enclosure should I get? I dont need anything fancy, just something reliable.

How long can you "store" the data, will it eventually lose it? How reliable is it?

Thanks

[Elledan]

External HDDs are quite reliable... eSATA is the fastest and most reliable connection you can use with an external enclosure. It's easy to turn an internal SATA connection into an eSATA connection with a separate bracket.

Just go with a reputable brand for the enclosure, read reviews and such, and use your own HDD. I'd recommend a Samsung Spinpoint F1 HDD since these run the coolest and are pretty cheap too.

[djBon2112]

How long can you "store" the data, will it eventually lose it? How reliable is it?

I can't say much for the rest (the cheap enclosures I've bought have all died), but you can store the data almost indefinitely, and it's quite reliable unless you physically abuse the drive/enclosure.