For coursework, freelance files and photos that would be difficult to replace, choose a backup you can restore independently of your main device; synchronisation alone does not necessarily provide that. A cloud backup paired with a separate local copy gives you two recovery paths, provided the drive is disconnected after use and you check what each service or device actually protects. Choose the local drive by the space and portability you need, and follow employer or client rules before copying confidential work files.
If coursework, client deliverables, invoices or source files would be difficult to recreate, focus on an independent copy and a restoration process you have tried. The National Cyber Security Centre advises making regular backups and knowing how to restore important files.
Photo libraries, video and completed projects call for enough space to cover the folders you intend to protect, with room for growth. A local drive also needs a routine for keeping the copy current and a safe place to store it.
If opening current files on a laptop, phone and another computer is the main need, synchronised storage can help. Check offline availability and version retention separately, and keep another recovery copy for files you cannot replace.
Choose the recovery method before choosing a drive or service: decide which files must survive a lost device, an accidental change or an account problem, then check how you would retrieve them.
Consider it when: You need a sizeable local copy of photos, coursework archives or completed projects.
Accept the routine: Connect it for backups, disconnect it afterwards and keep another copy elsewhere. The National Cyber Security Centre warns against leaving a backup drive permanently connected.
Consider it when: You regularly carry and copy large active project files.
Check the connection: Advertised transfer speeds depend on the particular drive, port and cable; one portable SSD is still only one physical copy.
Consider it when: You want computer files copied to a separate location without relying on a manual drive routine.
Check recovery: Confirm which folders and devices the selected service covers, how long it retains files and how you regain account access.
Consider it when: Access to current files across devices or collaboration is your main priority.
Keep a separate copy: Version history and deleted-file recovery have service-specific limits, while online-only files need a connection until downloaded.
Consider it when: Several devices need centrally managed backups and you are willing to maintain the system.
Plan beyond the NAS: A unit kept in the same building is not an off-site copy; versioning and snapshot features also depend on the hardware and configuration.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Independent recovery | Check which folders are copied, whether earlier versions remain available and whether you can restore a file without the original device. | If losing a dissertation draft or client deliverable would mean recreating it, I need a separate copy I know how to restore; around 33% of consumers put independent recovery first. |
| Local archive capacity | Measure the folders to protect and allow space for new files and retained versions; confirm the drive's capacity and device compatibility. | As my photo library and completed projects grow, I want room to copy all of them rather than just my current working files; roughly 27% of consumers prioritise archive capacity. |
| Portable file handling | Confirm the drive connection, required port and cable, especially if a stated transfer speed matters to your workflow. | When I carry active project files between locations, compact storage and practical copying matter most; about 20% of consumers make portable handling their primary concern. |
| Access across devices | Check offline-file settings, version and deletion retention, and how you regain access to the account. | If I switch devices while studying or collaborating, I need my current files within reach without mistaking sync for a separate backup; around 20% of consumers put multi-device access first. |
A changed file can synchronise across devices. Microsoft Support describes OneDrive version restoration but cites 30-day retention, and a work or school administrator may disable document versioning.
Use sync for access, then keep a separate recovery copy and try restoring an older file before you need it.
The National Cyber Security Centre warns that connected storage can be affected by malware along with the computer it protects.
Disconnect the drive when its backup has finished, store it securely and maintain another recovery destination for files you cannot recreate.
A drive that holds the current folders may not leave room for new media, additional devices or retained backup versions.
Measure the folders you intend to protect, allow for growth and confirm that your backup settings include them.
Information Commissioner's Office guidance addresses the risks of moving organisation data into personal storage. Whether a particular account or drive is permitted depends on the employer's, client's or contract's requirements.
Use the approved service and device process. If personal storage is permitted, confirm its access, encryption, retention and deletion requirements before copying files.
A reference point for portable and desktop external hard drives used for local copies of larger file collections.
A reference point for portable SSDs used to carry active coursework or project files.
Relevant when access to current files across devices is more important than maintaining a separate backup service.
Relevant when comparing computer backup with cloud storage for syncing and collaboration.
Relevant to people prepared to manage NAS backups for several devices.
These external hard drives and SSDs can serve as local destinations for coursework, project files and photos. Choose enough space for the folders you intend to copy, check the connection to your devices and keep another recovery destination for important files.
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Consider this for a portable local copy of coursework or photos when 2 TB suits the folders you plan to protect. Confirm which folders your backup routine includes and practise restoring a file; keep another copy separately.
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Consider this portable local destination if your active files require 4 TB. Its stated interface is USB 3.2 Gen 2x2; check your device and cable if connection capability matters, and arrange a separate recovery copy.
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Consider this for carrying a 2 TB local copy of coursework or project folders. The title specifies USB 3.2 Gen 2x2; check your device connection, set a repeatable backup routine and test how you will restore a file.
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Consider this for a portable 2 TB copy of active files. Samsung UK specifies up to 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write for the 2 TB T7, with maximum speeds requiring a USB 3.2 Gen 2 host, compatible cable and UASP. Check your backup and restore routine separately.
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Consider this 4 TB local destination for a larger photo or project archive. Its title specifies USB 3.0; confirm device and file-system compatibility, then make sure your copying routine covers every folder you need to recover.
No: synchronisation keeps current files available across devices, while a backup is a copy intended for recovery. Dropbox distinguishes its computer-backup service from cloud storage for syncing and collaboration. Check version and deletion retention, and keep a separate copy of irreplaceable files.
Disconnect it when the backup is finished rather than leaving it permanently attached. The National Cyber Security Centre advises keeping backup devices from remaining connected; store the drive securely and maintain another recovery path for important files.
Only use personal storage if the applicable employer, client and contractual rules permit it. Information Commissioner's Office guidance addresses keeping organisation data separate from personal storage; confirm the approved device or service and its access, encryption, retention and deletion requirements before copying confidential files.
Restore a small file and check that you can open and use it. Confirm that the backup includes the folders you work in and that you can access the account or device needed for recovery. The National Cyber Security Centre advises checking that you know how to restore important files.
A NAS is worth considering when several devices need centrally managed backups and you are prepared to maintain the system; it is not required simply to make a separate copy from one computer. If you choose a NAS, plan another destination as well, because a unit in the same building is not an off-site backup.