In this assignment, I would like you to reflect upon some
of the problems associated with digital longevity which we have been reading
about and discussing in class. Write a brief (3 page) paper in which
you discuss some of the challenges presented in preserving a type of digital
document found in your own home. Some examples of such personal records
might include:
- Digital photos
- Home videos (on either digital tapes or DVDs)
- Digital artwork
- E-mail files
- HTML files (web pages)
- Electronic files of schoolwork (papers, etc.)
- Electronic files of tax returns or other financial documents
- Video games
(You may suggest other items not on this list).
Some questions to answer:
Describe the document(s), including the format that they are in, the environment
in which you use them (what type of hardware or software is needed), and their
importance to you. Have you taken actions to preserve these documents
from loss? If yes, what actions did you take, and how confident are
you that your documents are protected? If no, why not? Do you
see your documents as being something that you would like to pass down to
future generations? If so, can you foresee difficulties that they might
have in accessing your documents in their current state (and what could you
do to ensure that they will be able to do so)? If not, why not? What
sort of advice would you give someone who has not had the benefit of taking
this course who wishes to preserve their own digital momentos?
N.B.: Be sure to refer to relevant readings in support of your discussions
and conclusions, including the film
Into the Future, where appropriate.