X-Message-Number: 5547 Date: Sun, 07 Jan 96 11:53:17 From: John de Rivaz <> Subject: Re: Data Storage In article: <> writes: > I would suggest CD-ROMs stored in a vault, along with a > simple computer reader and printed, laminated instructions on how the CD > and reader work. Unfortunately it is highly likely that CDROMS will not hold their data for ever or even for decades. I am not sure what to suggest as a storage medium for data to be retained for hundreds of years, but I think that some films are being converted to video and that is being recorded in monochrome as a waveform onto optical film. The argument is that colours fade in colour prints, but a monochrome waveform that can be electronically reconstituted into a picture would maintain the colours properly. The alternative to using CDROMS for ever would be to record on CDROMS for now and upgrade the storage each time a new technology matures. If the information is digital then there should be no degredation. Bearing in mind that mature technology is very cheap this should not be too impractical. But I would definitely advise against recording on CDROMS and then leaving them for 300 years and hope to be able to replay them. -- Sincerely, **************************************** * Publisher of Longevity Report * John de Rivaz * Fractal Report * * details on request * **************************************** **** What is the point of life if it ends in death? **** Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=5547