I try to only use usb drives if they are brand new, and have never been inserted into another system.
I actually do mean burn CDs / DVDs.. I know they are not the best backup medium.. but they are better than trusting 'the cloud' imho.
You are right that more and more systems are coming without cd / dvd drives... I have a couple of cd readers (that I think are also burners) that attach via USB - I happily lend or give one away and get another, they are like $25... to use for importing and accessing hard media backups which can be priceless, with bonus privacy.
I actually do mean burn CDs / DVDs.. I know they are not the best backup medium.. but they are better than trusting 'the cloud' imho.
You are right that more and more systems are coming without cd / dvd drives... I have a couple of cd readers (that I think are also burners) that attach via USB - I happily lend or give one away and get another, they are like $25... to use for importing and accessing hard media backups which can be priceless, with bonus privacy.