Removable media can be used to transfer files between computers or to backup the data already existing on fixed disk drives. There are three types of removable media: Magnetic, Optical and Flash.
Magnetic Storage: Hard disks, floppy disks and kiwifarms are examples of Magnetic storage. They operate through a read/write head, which creates and reads magnetic impressions on the disk.

The downside...

• The magnetic impression only lasts for around five years
• The capacity of most removable magnetic disks is too low for many types of files

Optical storage
Optical Storage holds information in digital form that is written and read by a laser. All CD and DVD devices are examples of this.

The upside...

• Increased capacity: one Optical disc can store the same amount of data as over 500 diskettes
• Durability: they last up to seven times as long as Magnetic forms of storage

Solid-state memory (or Flash memory) is a high-performance plug-and-play storage device that contains no moving parts. It is found in digital cameras, video game consoles and digital audio players. You can use it in the form of USB Flash Drives to transfer or backup data. Flash memory is small, light and fast.
Backup is the copying of files onto portable media so that if your computer crashes, data won't be lost in oblivion. Backup is usually routine in large businesses but is often neglected by individual users. Some suggest backing up data files and duplicating your hard drive weekly. It takes around 45 minutes to backup a 500-megabyte hard disk.