Computers - 2nd hard drive - internal vs. external
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Stumped1
11-06-09, 07:34 PM
Looking to add a 2nd hard drive to free up some space and backup files. Is the 2nd internal drive at the same risk of virus attacks as my current drive?
Not sure I understand the benefit of an external hard drive.
Not sure I understand the benefit of an external hard drive.
badeyeben
11-06-09, 08:32 PM
OK first my disclaimer...this is my way of thinking and may not agree with the others. Now, that is said.
The second drive is only prone to virus if the files installed on it have a virus in them. The only way to be reasonable sure they have no virus is to scan them with a virus software before you put them on the second drive.
Internal versus external is mostly decided by the owner. If you don't mind removing the drive from the damaged machine and installing it in the new machine then go internal. If you want to carry the drive to other machines and use it with them then go with the external.
They will both do the same job, hold files in backup. If you get external then you can use it on several computers and not have to buy seperate drives for each machine. Or even take the drive to someone elses computer and have access to whatever you have on the drive.
The second drive is only prone to virus if the files installed on it have a virus in them. The only way to be reasonable sure they have no virus is to scan them with a virus software before you put them on the second drive.
Internal versus external is mostly decided by the owner. If you don't mind removing the drive from the damaged machine and installing it in the new machine then go internal. If you want to carry the drive to other machines and use it with them then go with the external.
They will both do the same job, hold files in backup. If you get external then you can use it on several computers and not have to buy seperate drives for each machine. Or even take the drive to someone elses computer and have access to whatever you have on the drive.
2muchgrass
11-08-09, 03:50 PM
In short, yes. Worms and other nasties can replicate themselves and often times seek out files with certain extensions (.xls, .doc, .exe et al). They can replace the master boot record, They can reside in your system volume information and system restore and come back after you eradicate them. They are incredibly crafty.
The advantage to a secondary hard drive is redundancy. If you have irreplaceable data such as pictures or music you have spent years collecting, they should be backed up onto some form of media. An additional hard drive is very convenient because you can just copy and paste. If you have irreplaceable data, backing that data up is mandatory. There is software available that allows you to back up your entire computer and then do incremental or differential backups as often as is needed.
The disadvantage to an internal drive is if your machine takes an electrical hit by a surge or lightening, you could lose both drives. That's why I would go with an external. When you are done backing up, disconnect the drive and put it somewhere safe.
The advantage to a secondary hard drive is redundancy. If you have irreplaceable data such as pictures or music you have spent years collecting, they should be backed up onto some form of media. An additional hard drive is very convenient because you can just copy and paste. If you have irreplaceable data, backing that data up is mandatory. There is software available that allows you to back up your entire computer and then do incremental or differential backups as often as is needed.
The disadvantage to an internal drive is if your machine takes an electrical hit by a surge or lightening, you could lose both drives. That's why I would go with an external. When you are done backing up, disconnect the drive and put it somewhere safe.
freakyfan420
11-18-09, 09:20 AM
Buy now you've probably already bought one but if your computer has a sata motherboard and you get an external harddrive, get one with an esata port. Way faster than a usb 2 connection.