• Prints won’t become technologically obsolete; when properly stored they can last for generations.
• Prints provide an accessible and enjoyable record of your family history.
• They can tighten family bonds because albums are available to everybody.
• Prints can be digitized by scanning.
• You don’t need a computer to view prints.

Disadvantages:

• They take up more space and require extra organization.
• They require special (but readily available) album materials for increasing longevity.

Your first step may be to decide whether to make prints on your home inkjet printer or have a photo service make them for you on traditional photographic paper. In reality, you will likely have both inkjet and traditional photo prints. If you have a choice, the traditional photo print probably will last a bit longer than an inkjet print. But in the right storage conditions, both should last for decades.With your prints on hand, see our Scrapbooking section to learn how to create and store a special photo album that will amuse and amaze future generations.

• They can be used by almost everybody who owns a computer.
• They hold hundreds, even thousands, of pictures.
• They are inexpensive.
• They last for decades.

Disadvantages of CDs:

• They are somewhat fragile.
• They could become obsolete in 10 or 20 years.

• 	Pictures are more than a visual representation of a moment in time. Pictures create a unique connection between our past and future generations. To make your memories last more than a lifetime, follow these simple tips to let future generations enjoy your pictures. #well_3_vr { background: transparent; }
  	Organize Your Photos With today’s digital cameras, it’s easy to take a lot of photos. Organize your images in a way that makes it easy to find them in the future. Organize by categories, by date, by subject - use whatever method makes the most sense to you. Organize each time you save your pictures to keep the task from becoming overwhelming. #well_6_vr { background: transparent; }
  	Perform Regular Backups Your images may be saved to your PC, but did you know that the average life span of a computer hard drive is only 5 years? Worse yet, they can fail without warning making you unable to get to your pictures. To keep your memories safe, create backup copies of your image files on CDs, DVDs, or a second hard drive; or upload them to an online photo service like KODAK EasyShare Gallery for storage. For your most valued photos, high quality prints and photo books are a foolproof way to ensure your memories will endure despite changing technology. { background: transparent; }
  	[well_20] [well_20_title_2] Keep Current with Storage Technology Digital storage technologies are constantly improving and evolving, often making older technologies obsolete and unreadable. Formats that were common in the 90’s, such as the floppy disk are no longer supported on most PCs. Even current storage technologies such as CDs and DVDs may become unreadable over time due to chemical or physical degradation. Watch the industry for technology developments and keep your files backed up using the current standards.