A simple personal archive

A resilient archive starts with the things you would genuinely miss. Do not begin by downloading everything. Begin with an inventory.

The KISS version

• Keep the original files where possible.
• Use common formats such as PDF, FLAC, MP4 and JPEG.
• Keep one working copy and at least one backup.
• Store a second backup somewhere different.
• Check that backups can actually be opened.
• Review the setup once or twice a year.

Preservation is not about collecting for its own sake. It is about keeping reasonable access to things you bought, created or were given permission to keep.