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computer_stuff:backup [2012/11/17 09:43] Michael Torrie [External Disks] |
computer_stuff:backup [2012/11/17 09:56] (current) Michael Torrie [External Disks] |
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| External disks are spinning hard disks in a little plastic case that attach to the computer via a USB cable. They can be purchased in storage capacities equal to or greater than your computer’s internal disk, depending on your needs. There are generally two physical sizes (dimensions), which represent the physical size of the drive within the enclosure: 2.5” and 3.5”. Sometimes sites call these | External disks are spinning hard disks in a little plastic case that attach to the computer via a USB cable. They can be purchased in storage capacities equal to or greater than your computer’s internal disk, depending on your needs. There are generally two physical sizes (dimensions), which represent the physical size of the drive within the enclosure: 2.5” and 3.5”. Sometimes sites call these | ||
| "Portable" and "Desktop," respectively. New solid-state drives are becoming available and they are physically smaller, though more expensive. | "Portable" and "Desktop," respectively. New solid-state drives are becoming available and they are physically smaller, though more expensive. | ||
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| - | You can buy external drives at big-box stores, such as Future Shop or Best Buy, and also from Wal-Mart, Costco, and most other stores that have electronics and computers for sale. | ||
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| - | As well, you can buy from an online retailer. Here are a few links: | ||
| - | * [[http://www.newegg.ca/External-Hard-Drives/SubCategory/ID-414|NewEgg.ca]] - click on 2.5" on the left side of the page to see the portable drives. | ||
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| - | http://www.amazon.ca/gp/search/ref=sr_hi_5?rh=n%3A667823011%2Cn%3A%21677211011%2Cn%3A2404990011%2Cn%3A2409503011%2Cn%3A2409504011%2Cp_n_feature_five_browse-bin%3A2419637011&bbn=2409504011&ie=UTF8&qid=1353170503 | ||
| For larger storage needs, over 1 TB, external drives are often 3.5”. These drives require a power cord to be plugged in, as well as the USB cable to your computer. These drives cost between $100 for 1 TB to $150 for 3 TB (prices in CAD, as of November 10, 2012). Consider that most home computers have between 0.5 TB (500 GB) to 1 TB drives in them usually. | For larger storage needs, over 1 TB, external drives are often 3.5”. These drives require a power cord to be plugged in, as well as the USB cable to your computer. These drives cost between $100 for 1 TB to $150 for 3 TB (prices in CAD, as of November 10, 2012). Consider that most home computers have between 0.5 TB (500 GB) to 1 TB drives in them usually. | ||
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| When you buy an external hard drive for use with Macintosh computers, do not worry about buying a drive specifically for Mac OS. Any USB external hard drive will work. After purchasing it, you will want to use a program called “**''Disk Manager''**” (in the Utilities folder in your **''Applications''**) to re-initialize the drive to use the Macintosh format, “**Mac OS Extended (Journaled)**,” and give it a useful name. | When you buy an external hard drive for use with Macintosh computers, do not worry about buying a drive specifically for Mac OS. Any USB external hard drive will work. After purchasing it, you will want to use a program called “**''Disk Manager''**” (in the Utilities folder in your **''Applications''**) to re-initialize the drive to use the Macintosh format, “**Mac OS Extended (Journaled)**,” and give it a useful name. | ||
| __Most of the time I recommend that an external disk be unplugged and powered off when not in use__. There are exceptions to this, which I will detail later in the section on backup software and also Time Machine. | __Most of the time I recommend that an external disk be unplugged and powered off when not in use__. There are exceptions to this, which I will detail later in the section on backup software and also Time Machine. | ||
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| + | You can buy external drives at big-box stores, such as Future Shop or Best Buy, and also from Wal-Mart, Costco, and most other stores that have electronics and computers for sale. | ||
| + | |||
| + | As well, you can buy from an online retailer. Here are a few links: | ||
| + | * [[http://www.newegg.ca/External-Hard-Drives/SubCategory/ID-414|NewEgg.ca]]. Click on 2.5" on the left side of the page to see the portable drives. | ||
| + | * [[http://www.amazon.ca/s/ref=sr_nr_p_n_feature_five_bro_1?rh=n%3A667823011%2Cn%3A!677211011%2Cn%3A2404990011%2Cn%3A2409503011%2Cn%3A2409504011%2Cp_n_feature_five_browse-bin%3A2419637011&bbn=2409504011&hidden-keywords=external&ie=UTF8&qid=1353170847&rnid=2419635011|Amazon.ca]]. If link does not work, go to [[http://amazon.ca|amazon.ca]], and go to the "Electronics," "Computers & Accessories," "Memory Cards & External Storage," "External Hard Drives," "Portable" category. Or just search for "Portable External Hard Drive." | ||
| + | * [[http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/search.asp?keywords=2.5%22+external+hard+drive|TigerDirect.ca]]. | ||
| + | * [[http://ca.buy.com|Ca.Buy.com]]. Search for 2.5" external hard drive. Buy.com's web site is very hard to search compared to the others. | ||
| External hard disk drives are similar to what is already in your computer. They typically spin, and so they can fail mechanically. Even solid-state disks, which are becoming popular, can physically fail. __For this reason, you may want to consider two external disks and alternate between them when backing up your files. And every couple of years consider replacing the oldest drive with a brand new one__. | External hard disk drives are similar to what is already in your computer. They typically spin, and so they can fail mechanically. Even solid-state disks, which are becoming popular, can physically fail. __For this reason, you may want to consider two external disks and alternate between them when backing up your files. And every couple of years consider replacing the oldest drive with a brand new one__. | ||
| - | You might also want to store one disk at a different location from where your computer is located. For example, at another’s home, or at work in your office drawer. In the case of a fire or another disaster, your photos may be as important to you as your legal and financial documents. | + | __You might also want to store one disk at a different location from where your computer is located. For example, at another’s home, or at work in your office drawer. In the case of a fire, theft, or another disaster, your photos may be as important to you as your legal and financial documents__. |
| But at the very least have one external disk at all times that your important files are on. | But at the very least have one external disk at all times that your important files are on. | ||
