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Using external hard drives or cloud services is a common and effective method for backing up data due to several reasons. External hard drives provide ample storage capacity and allow users to create physical copies of their data, which can be easily accessed and managed. They offer a straightforward solution for backing up large amounts of data without the need for an internet connection.

On the other hand, cloud services offer the advantage of offsite storage, which is crucial for protecting data from local disasters such as fires, floods, or theft. Cloud backups also facilitate automatic syncing and the ability to access data from any location with an internet connection. This dual approach—utilizing both physical and cloud-based options—ensures data redundancy and improves recovery options in case of data loss.

Other methods, like storing data on local devices only, are limited in their effectiveness since they do not protect against hardware failures or disasters. Using floppy disks is outdated and not practical for modern data needs, given their small storage capacity and low reliability. While manual copying to a USB stick can work for simple backup tasks, it is less efficient and prone to human error compared to other automated methods available today. Therefore, the approach involving external hard drives and cloud services enhances data security and reliability in the backup process.