What lifetime can be expected of the typical hard disk? Or are there big differences between different types? And does it make a difference if it is used heavily instead of never being connected to system (for example serving as a backup medium)?
Answer
What lifetime can be expected of the typical hard disk?
The correct answer to your question of "What lifetime can be expected of the typical hard disk?" is "Not long enough for you to not have a backup of your data from day 1."
Seriously, most techies since ages immemorial have felt the sudden urge to run out and buy a replacement hard disk within 3 years. There was a really good Google white paper on the lifetime of consumer-level SATA drives, and it was scary to read, to say the least.
Are there big differences between types?
We have had SCSI, SAS, IDE, SATA, etc. Also, now we have Enterprise models, 24/7-capable, etc etc. Usually, enterprise (SCSI, SAS, Enterprise-models) should have a longer lifespan... however there are still some bad eggs that slip through the gates and hurtle towards the abyss of failure.
Does it make a difference if it is used heavily?
A hard drive that is not often used in theory should last longer than a constantly used drive - however don't take that as the gospel truth.
So what are you trying to say here, you wishy-washy guy?
What I am trying to say is, when it comes to data and data storage, it is never too extravagant to assume your drive will fail tomorrow - and plan according to it.
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