From photojunkie zine : The importance of backing up your digital files. (Part One)
This is my system of archiving my digital photos. They are first filed in weekly directories (I also have a food, objects, and portfolio folder, which get copies of images). One of the reasons for buying my laptop is to store all the photos I’d be taking in and around Bangkok and SE Asia, as well for my IT development work. It comes with a DVD-ROM/CD-R combo drive, so I regularly backup data and images.
Every week’s folder has a “cuts” folder and a “good” folder. I go through the images and file them accordingly. It’s nice to file them according to quality (roughly). After burning them (I burn two copies of each CD, I intend to mail one copy back home) I then move the weekly folders to the “Archived” folder, but I delete the cuts folders. I haven’t gotten my Canon 10D, yet, so filling up my hard-drive isn’t a problem that will rear its head anytime soon. Although with a new 512 MB CF card, my worry is draining my battery on my S-30 too quickly (but another one is on its way soon.)
I don’t like the madness that comes with losing data (or memories). Has happened before (several times). Been there, done that, bought the T-shirt (almost). I have written 5 CD’s so far (it’s only been 21 weeks!) and I’m way behind.
I find Downloader Pro very useful in archiving photos. As you can see here, it can also use week numbers.
Hope that helps!