Removable media storage devices come in many forms and price ranges. Some require a drive or reader to read the storage device, as in the case of CDs, DVDs and memory cards. Others, such as external hard drives, only require a cable to interface with your computer.

Use these kinds of devices to share files with others, move files between computers or backup your data. You may choose several different devices for different purposes.

Benefits of removable media digital file storage include:

1. It's portable;

2. It's often easy to use or install;

3. And they come in many inexpensive forms, including high-capacity USB drives and optical media.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Share data and other computer files with removable media storage devices

By far, the easiest and least expensive way to share some files with a friend or co-worker is to put the files on a CD or DVD. Buy CDs or DVDs in bulk and put files on them for a sales meeting. Burn a demo or a marketing video to a DVD and hand it out to potential customers.

I recommend: Choose from a selection of CD/DVD Duplicators at TechLoops.com. Find a large selection of blank CD and DVD media disks broken down by category at CDROM2GO.

Get more room for your files with high-capacity removable drives

High-capacity removable media drives connect to your computer via USB or Ethernet cable are simple to install, if you outgrow the hard drive of your machine. You can also use them for backup. Other types of drives may suit you depending on your setup and expertise.

I recommend: View the complete line of REV removable hard-disk products at the Iomega website. Choose from a large selection of external hard drives at Newegg, where you can narrow your search by capacity, price, manufacturer, interface and several other useful criteria. Order a custom external hard drive at Custom USB, where you can choose the capacity, the interface and one of a number of custom-colored external skins to create your own unique storage device.

Safeguard your data with a removable media backup device

Many methods exist for data backup, some more automated than others. Choose one that fits your needs, but remember if it's so hard to use that you avoid backing up as often as you should, your data isn't truly safe. Create a schedule for backup, once a day or once a week, depending on the amount of updating you do.

I recommend: Obtain a secure and cost-effective backup system with removable data cartridges from Prostor Systems. Browse a number of removable media backup devices at Provantage.

Share and transfer your data with small, removable media data storage devices

The smallest devices that store data for transfer are USB thumb drives and flash memory cards. Many so-called thumb drives are now much smaller than a human thumb, and storage capacity of both thumb drives and memory cards are increasing all the time. Use these devices to bring work files home, share a file with a co-worker or transport the presentation file to the computer onsite.

I recommend: Choose from a selection of USB and flash memory card removable storage devices at FlashMemoryStore.com, where you can choose from many categories and brands. Browse a number of stylish, low-cost USB thumb drives at Flash Dealer.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  To safeguard your data on your removable media storage device, read the manual to find out whether there is an option, a password or other method of protection in case your device falls into the wrong hands.