Ask MetaFilter posts tagged with Storage

How can I store comic books?

AlliKat75 — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 12:28:14 -0800

I am looking for some uber-cool comic book storage ideas. I am not really down with the boring cardboard boxes; however the storage does need to be of of the box and/or cabinet variety. Does anyone have any suggestions?

What happened to HSM? No, not High School Musical...

blue_wardrobe — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:39:11 -0800

Are there any "personal" Hierarchical Storage Manager packages around? Old files should be moved off to CDs or DVDs, etc.

But the fact that a file is actually offline should be invisible to the software, which should still "see" the file on the local disk, but when it actually goes to open it, the HSM requests me to put in the right disk, and then brings the file back to local disk?

I see Windows Server has something like it (Remote Storage Server) although I don't know how well it works, but its above my cost range ($150?)

There used to be a tool called NeverEnding Disk which sounds right, but that was 1994...

Must run on a Vista laptop.

What conditions do banjos dislike?

homelystar — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:33:38 -0800

How can I store my banjo long-term to preserve the best possible sound? I have a hard case (not a soft "gig bag") and the instrument is in a dark closet. We keep the humidity between 40-55% whenever possible... I have a new-ish job, a toddler, a marathon to train for, and an online class starting next week. All good things, but combined they mean my 3-year-old, open-back Deering Goodtime banjo gets very little attention. Short of loaning it to someone who will play it regularly (I am trying to find someone), how can I store it to minimize if not avoid warping or other damage?

Cheapest/Best solution for remote file access?

thinktwice — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:34:08 -0800

I have a three person Mac OS X office where we need to have remote access to about 4GB of files. I have looked around extensively for a solution and so far have not found an acceptable one. We have tried to use Back to my Mac and Apple Remote Desktop but the other two users are not that technically adept and it seem too complicated for them. Out problem is further complicated by the fact that we sometimes access the same files, so we can have version problems as well. Back to my Mac has never worked period. Could I use Amazon S3 storage? And manage with Subversion or Git? Are there reasonable clients for Subversion and Git. Drobo with network card seem over the top and too costly. Having the files on the cloud would be a perfect solution, however a local solution that could be accessed from anywhere will work as well. To further complicate we are thinking of having one person access via PC.

Tell me about current NAS manufacturers and technology?

loquacious — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 04:53:34 -0800

Tell me about Network Attached Storage ( NAS )? In particular what current manufactuers should I avoid for a typical 1 terabyte (or greater) RAID array? I'm also interested in general information and pitfalls for NAS devices and implementations. Deployment is for a mixed platform small office - about 8 seats. Platforms are XP, Vista and OS X.

I'm assuming SAMBA protocol for shares. Usage is low to medium - the office needs a data/file server for storing and reliably sharing typical office documents.

They emphatically do not need an actual server. There's no forseeable upgrade path to an in-office Exchange server or domain controller or the like - this is handled by a remote office through VPN. I could build them a PC-based solution using something like FreeNAS but that would be overkill, and I don't want to introduce a possibly flaky desktop/server into their office.

What NAS models or manufacturers are considered the most reliable? Best support? Best value?

Much thanks in advance!

Help us find a bed.

Dipsomaniac — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 17:07:35 -0800

We live in Toronto, and we like this bed. But we're not sure that we're up to spending $1500 on it right now. Does anyone in / near Toronto know where it might be found for less, or where similar beds with storage can be found?

We're looking for quality above Ikea and similar makers. Must be a platform bed. We're hoping to spend closer to $1000 on a bed rather than more.

Looking for home storage solutions for bulk items such as flour, sugar, rice.

jeremias — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 05:10:34 -0800

Looking for home storage solutions for bulk items such as flour, sugar, rice. My SO went full steam ahead at Costco, and now we have enormous bags of rice, flour, sugar, etc. The problem is we don't have much storage space in the kitchen and at some point we actually have to open the bags: at which point we will need to store them.

So I'm looking for containers that will hold 15-25 lbs and can be stored efficiently, also varmint/insect proof obviously. Also, *where* do I store them? We have some space in the basement, the temp is steady down there but it's also on the humid side.

Tips on keeping medical notes and records organized

xo — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 15:12:57 -0800

I'm looking for tips on organizing personal medical records and information, assuming a chronic or complicated health problem. Things like X-rays and MRI discs, blood test results, prescriptions, notes taken during appointments with the doctor, notes made on non-appointment days about symptoms, medical history, insurance policies and bills, therapies tried and discontinued... what are great ways to keep it all organized, for ease of use (and consistent record-keeping) both for the patient and his care partners?

Am I overloading my IVAR shelving?

washburn — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 09:20:25 -0800

How many books can an IVAR bookshelf unit from IKEA hold? So, I've just moved into a smaller apartment, and I've got more books than I can fit onto my shelves. I'm tempted therefore to really load up my new IVAR bookshelves, rather than get rid of books.

I'm hoping to hear experiences with really loading up IVAR shelving with books--have you done this and been fine? Have you tried this and produced a spectacular collapse?

Personally, I've got the 6ft (70.5") shelves (2x35" and 1x17" wide), hooked up together, on a carpeted concrete floor. I want to put in at least seven shelves (including the top and bottom piece), and want to load books two deep on the shelves (I'll just have to sort of remember which books are behind the ones in front).

What are the chances that this sort of loading will break the shelves?

Is up/dowload to online storage secure?

mono blanco — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 04:08:05 -0800

For secure online storage, is the upload/download also secure? I want to nuke my laptop data and store it all online then access my files securely wherever I travel. There are at least six good AskMe threads about secure online storage (main recommendations are Mozy and Jungle Disk-to-Amazon S3). But what I want to know is: how secure is the upload/download? A stupid question perhaps. What good would secure storage be without secure transmission? But I can find a clear answer.

If I sign up for Mozy, Jungle Disk or another online storage provider, are my uploads and downloads encrypted?

DV/HDV storage and cataloging

StephenMeldalFoged — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 12:24:54 -0800

Hi all... long time listener, first time caller (poster) I have almost 100 DV/HDV tapes that I have recorded since about 2003. I have not been the best at labeling all my tapes, especially not lately since my twin sons where born. At the moment all my tapes are stored in a box in a drawer :-\ I am looking for a good method of cataloging and storing my DV/HDV tapes. Does anyone have any great, cheap and maybe do-it-yourself solutions for storing tapes. For cataloging I could imagine a google docs document or something, but if anyone has a better solution I would not mind. Stephen Copenhagen, Denmark

I am looking for recommendations on where to store and work on a motorcycle during the winter.

ps6000 — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 12:26:06 -0800

I have a motorcycle (1983 bmw r100) that I would like to protect from the harsh Massachusetts winter. I would also like to take this time to do some work on the bike. I do not have a garage so I need to rent a place. Am I able to do repairs on a vehicle in a self storage facility? If not can you think of the type of place that would allow this?

Help me help my friends. Keep my first aid box organized!

jlkr — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 09:00:26 -0800

My shoebox is too small. I'm looking for a box, somewhat larger than the ubiquitous plastic shoebox, and taller, with a separate removable tray. I need to expand the number of supplies in my first aid box, but the resident FA assistant prefers a single layer of stuff in a box, rather than a multi-pocketed bag or a multi-layered box. I've seen toolboxes that are kind of what I want, but they'd get mixed up with the actual toolboxes that also get packed. The two-layer toiletries/makeup boxes I've seen are too small. I've poked around The Container Store's website, but didn't find anything useful. Any ideas?

User stats on Exchange 2000?

starscream — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 12:50:12 -0800

Microsoft Exchange 2000 : is there a built in function or any 3rd party utility that would allow me to export a list of all mailboxes and would include info like User Logon Name and mailbox size? The company I work for was purchased by a megacorp and we'll be migrating all of our users from our Exchange server to theirs. While we have a 150mb limit, they impose a 100mb restriction on mailbox size. There are, of course, 'special' users that have anywhere from 200 to 500mb or more; therefore management is looking for a spreadsheet with basic statistics of our Exchange server users.

I'd love to be able to export some kind of list into csv (or anything else that I could open in Excel and work with) that details usernames, mailbox size/limit, and any other info that might be useful for pre migration planning. If there's any Exchange built-in function or a third party utility that could do this for me, I'd love to know about it!

Looking a gift [warehouse] in the mouth.

Annon E Moose — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 09:40:53 -0800

Long Term Storage Filter: Is climate control a necessity? What items need special prep to be in non-climate controlled storage? Assuming no risk of leaking water, what items need special prep to be in non-climate controlled storage for 4-9 months in San Antonio? Are there any items that just require stable temperature and humidity?

I have available to me free longterm storage, but I'm hesitant because I can conceive of damage occurring to 75% of my stuff. Am I being irrational? I mean, a good quantity of storage options aren't climate controlled at all. I've got all the regular stuff everyone has, just a little more electronics than average (including nice tower speakers) and I've got a relatively new wood bedroom set.

(If this post turns overwhelmingly pro-climate, feel free to add whatever prep I need to do for climate controlled storage.)

DVD storage solution?

underwater — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 13:33:59 -0800

Has anyone seen this DVD storage solution? I keep 1000 DVDs in white paper sleeves in 10" x 5" x 5" cardboard boxes from Uline (these fit *perfectly*, BTW). But I want to upgrade to something stand-alone that is wood and looks like a real piece of furniture. Since I want to flip through them, drawers are the only option. Can-am doesn't look good to me and are too deep. This piece seems perfect but I can't find one to look at in person and it's very expensive to ship back if I don't like it. Has anyone seen one of these and if so, would the drawers be suitable for holding DVDs in sleeves and not plastic cases?

Other suggestions of furniture that meet the above criteria are also welcome. But I'm not interested in 1. ripping solutions 2. hanging sleeve solutions 3. boxes that don't look like real furniture or require re-stacking rather than being pull-out drawers.

I have read the other threads about DVD storage but they don't seem to have suggestions about wooden furniture with drawers.

Thanks!

How to protect these drives?

estherbester — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 11:28:21 -0800

Where could I purchase a bunch of Seagate's Seashell plastic hard drive cases? I want to store a bunch of bare hard drives with data that will probably be accessed only intermittently (the data would be transferred to new drives every few years, if all goes to plan).

Some of my Seagate drives came in those Seashell cases and from what I can tell they seem to be a better way to protect my drives than in those static-shielding bags. Is this true, and if so, where could I buy these Seashells separately? Seagate doesn't seem to sell them, and I don't know why they wouldn't.

Alternatively, what would be a good way to store all these drives?

What's a good external, roughly 1TB usable storage device that does its own RAID-1?

adipocere — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 10:18:41 -0800

What's a good external, roughly 1TB usable storage device that does its own RAID-1? Given the deep bashing I noted for the MyBook (and specifically the Western Digitals within), I was wondering if anyone had a recommended, similar external drive with RAID-1 capabilities, in the same price range. Is the LaCie 2big worth a damn? Are there others on the market? Or is the MyBook as good as it gets?

I'm looking for:
* Hardware RAID-1
* USB 2.0 connection (Firewire would be okay, eSATA would not)
* 1 Terabyte usable space post-RAID
* Can be formatted for NTFS

Let's eliminate early on the "thinking outside of the box" suggestions that do not fit:
* Two SATA disks and a special card doing RAID-1, inside a big ole case (that's the "solution" I tried and did not like)
* Amazon's storage service
* Pico-ITX and your favorite distro of Linux encased in a project box doing software RAID
* NAS
* Two disks and software RAID from Windows
* The Drobo

Yes, I am aware that RAID is for availability. Yes, there is a separate backup plan.

General bag storage tips?

champthom — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 17:14:49 -0800

Where are some general places I can store my luggage? I tend to go traveling via backpacking and what I usually do is spend a night on a bus, spend a day in a city, then take another overnight bus to the next city.

While the times I've traveled to Mexico I've had no problem, as nearly every city has a baggage storage place at the bus station, I have never encountered this sort of service in the US or elsewhere (except for JFK Airport, but that involved me spending $20 just getting to JFK to store my bag).

As I hate having to carry around a heavy backpack on my bag and being denied entry to places just because of my bag, does anyone have any suggestions of places to try to store my bag?

I know this has been covered before, but only in the specific case of Florence, London, and NYC. I'm trying to look for some sort of general list of places to try for baggage storage so I can move around easier and with far less hassle.

store in a DRY place -- storage of pills in rainy season

dbooster — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:12:05 -0800

What is the best way to store pills when one is faced with 90-90% humidity everyday because of rainy season? It's the middle of the rainy season right now in Japan, and that means I'm facing 90-90% humidity nearly everyday. That's so bad that when I get home in the evening, the morning newspaper feels damp to the touch. I never really considered my pills, but I was reading a newsletter from the city yesterday about how to avoid food-poisoning in the rainy season (very common due to the increased humidity and thus increased mold) and suddenly it hit me... oh, store in a cool, DRY place. I'm mainly talking about vitamins and headache pills here (advil and aspirin)

How to store hard drives?

speek — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 08:44:10 -0800

Is there a foolproof way of storing internal hard drives for external (hot swappable) use? We're using multiple hard drives for archival and storage purposes, all sata drives. We're thinking of putting them all in their own separate anti-static ziploc bags and shoving them into a fireproof safe, that way they'll be safe from pretty much everything.

I was wondering if anybody had any better ideas? foam molding for example?

How should I tote my stuff, including a laptop, on my bike?

Project F — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 09:51:52 -0800

How should I tote my stuff, including a laptop, on my bike? (Backpacks and messenger bags need not apply.) I just bought a Cannondale XR 7, and am using it primarily as a commuter bike. As such, I'd like to add some storage, a little bigger than my handlebar bento box. I was thinking a rear rack, a laptop pannier and a regular pannier.

Problem is, neither of my local bike shops actually stocks a rack that's meant to work on a disc brake bike, nor do either of them have any laptop panniers.

Anybody have any specific recommendations on rear racks for disc brake bikes, or laptop panniers? Or warnings against them?

What is the highest memory capacity of USB flash drive available in the market?

omaralarifi — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 07:25:59 -0800

What is the highest memory storage capacity for USB portable Flash drive in the market right now? I heard that the highest right now is 64GB by BUSlink, but I am not sure if there are any higher.

My stacks of DVDs are close to Jenga.

soonertbone — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 09:29:45 -0800

Looking for a good, cheap way to store my DVDs. My DVD collection is growing and I need a good way of storing them. I like having the cases on display, so anything involving cabinets or boxes is not what I'm after.

Ideally, I'd like some kind of shelf system that allows me to stack the DVDs horizontally, like books. If I get something like a bookcase, I want the bookcase to not be too deep. If it's deep, then you can't really see the DVDs on the bottom, you know?

I'd like the shelf to be durable, but on the cheaper side, if possible. Wood (or something that looks like wood) is preferred to metal. I've searched for this online, but have only really been able to find big cabinets that cost hundreds of dollars.

I have about 225 DVDs now, and the collection is expanding. Does anybody know of a good place to find furniture like this? I've tried the Container Store in NYC, Bed Bath and Beyond, and various places online that have all been really expensive.

Graduate school help

Aanidaani — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 07:31:55 -0800

I'm currently looking at materials science PhD programs and I'm having some difficulty locating magnetic materials groups. My interests lie in volatile and non-volatile storage, which is a pretty broad area. Can anyone suggest schools to look at? I've spoken to some of my professors who study magnetics and the schools they've recommended (Stanford, UCSD) seem promising. I want to find some other options, but it seems like most schools don't do much magnetic storage work. Does anyone know of any places (other than the above and Carnegie Mellon University -- my undergrad) that study magnetic data storage?

Another area I find interesting is phase-change storage memory, but research on this is done mostly outside the United States. Are there any groups (other than businesses) that study this in the U.S.?