Virtual storage options for work-at-home professionals

Most of the freelance and telecommute work exists at the virtual level. Like every office has an organized filing system for every document and paperwork available, the work-at-home business should also have one. So why not invest in a system that acts complimentary to your virtual work! Here I am referring to the external Hard drive. There are some good reasons why every telecommuter and home office professional should invest in a hard drive.

We all know that every computer comes with a built in hard drive, and the latest models come with some really good memory and storage options. But computers are vulnerable to hazards such as viruses and untimely crashes, and so is the data stored in them. So as a hard working professional whose work is totally done from the computer, the loss is even greater. It is therefore essential that you have timely backup for your work.

The second most important bonus that comes with an external hard drive is that it comes in a compact size and can be kept / stored anywhere in the house. So there’s really no need for you to keep in on your desk.

How much storage space should one opt for?

Okay, so there are tons and tons of good quality external hard drives available on the market. Some hard drives can store around 250 GBs, others can store some really huge amounts, TBs of information. It all depends on the kind of storage option you are looking for. If your work depends solely upon high-volume audio-visual material, then you should definitely opt for a high storage drive. On the other hand if your work is just like mine, more documents and e-books, then you can safely do away with a lower capacity hard drive.

What all can be stored in them?

Good question. Why not take up a back up of each and every work related item you have – right from the documents to videos to bills and invoices, and even keep the software setup files in your hard drive. Who knows when you may need to uninstall and reinstall your costly software that is essential to your business! And you can also do away with the multiple CDs and DVDs lying around.

Scan off your important papers messing up your office and store them too in these virtual filing cabinets!

Can you change the files and folders on your drive?

Yes! An external hard drive can be easily modified for better and organized storage. Mark up each file, label those folders as you would do with a real filing cabinet. Create multiple “cabins” and organize your data within minutes. And it works just like any other folder in your computer would do – delete, move and merge files with ease.

Carry your external drive whenever and wherever you go! Your whole filing system can be taken with you! No need to cut in another CD to show your prospective clients some of your work. Just plug the hard drive into your PC and there you go!