External Hard Drives
This guide refers specifically to external USB, FireWire and eSATA connected hard drives. You ca learn all about the variations of this product range.
Increasing Data Storage Capacity
Connecting an external hard disk to your computer is the easiest way of adding data storage capacity to your computer. There are essentially three styles of external drive, based on the physical size of the internal hard drive; 1.8", 2.5" and 3.5". These are referred to as 'Ultra Portable', Portable or Mobile and Desktop hard drives.
When considering which style of external hard drive to buy, consider the following:
Ultra Portable 'Mini' Hard Drives
Physically very small, light, and typically they have a USB2.0 connection. They don't need any mains power, so are ideal for carrying whilst travelling. However, their capacity is relatively low and their performance average.
Mobile or Portable Hard Drives
Slightly bigger than Mini hard drives, offering a greater capacity range and a wider choice of connections to the computer (USB2.0, FireWire, and eSATA). In most circumstances they don't require mains power which makes these mobile disks suitable for travelling. They offer great value for money.
Desktop Hard Drives
Offering massive storage capacities, these devices boast the highest performance of the three ranges and the lowest cost per gigabyte of storage. Although desktop drives all require mains power, they are physically small; roughly the size of a 400 page paperback and only a couple of inches longer. These devices are great value for money.
Working & Storing Information
Distinction has to be made between storing and backing up data. Working and storing the data that is being processed on the external hard drive does not imply that it is backed up. If you purchase an external hard drive to store data on, it is essential that the data be copied and stored in another location.
Would you be able to recover the data if your computer or the external hard disk was stolen or broke? What would the cost be of losing all your work, your customer database, your priceless photos? Consider that the price of two external hard drives (one for storing data, and one for backing it up) will set you back just a fraction of the cost of losing your data forever. Don't chance it - backup!