We suggest that you consider your computer s hard drive to be intermediate storage because it s usually where images are transferred from cameras. However, it is not where your images should reside permanently. Despite increased durability, hard drives do fail and can be ruined if a computer is dropped or knocked over. Also, hard drives are vulnerable to virus attacks and other software threats. For example, the infamous I Love You bug of early 2000 specifically targeted image files and erased them.
Human error can also cause permanent loss of files.
Think of your hard drive as your own digital-processing lab. This is where you drop off your raw images, discard the obvious duds, categorize the rest, and enhance the real keepers. You can order prints on your computer via an online photo-finishing service, or make your own if you have the appropriate printer and materials. Once you have sorted and enhanced your images, you need to transfer the originals to your digital shoebox. This is a removable storage medium that can be safely tucked away and used later.