Longevity
From The Glossary of Digital Photography
The length of time images will last in the original digital format or photographs will last as prints. All photographic prints deteriorate over time. Some may last only a few months, others may last several hundred years if stored under controlled conditions. There are a number of factors that enter into the longevity of photographic prints. These include the materials used in the production of the print, the materials used to display the print, and the environmental conditions (light and air quality) under which the prints are stored. The media used to store the original digital image, such as magnetic media (floppy disks, hard drives, and zip drives) and optical media (CDs and DVDs), also deteriorate over time and can be damaged by improper handling as well as environmental conditions. Selection of media and storage conditions should be carefully considered by users to ensure the greatest longevity for their images.
