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          *
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