An external hard drive is a roomy, familiar way to hold files outside your computer. Choose by deciding how much space you need, whether it will sit on a desk or travel in a bag, and which port your computer uses.
Desktop or portable?
Two body styles are common. Desktop drives are larger, usually need a wall adapter, and are meant to stay in one place. Portable drives are smaller, draw power through the data cable, and fit in a bag.
- Desk use: a larger body is fine, and the extra space is often useful.
- Travel use: choose a compact body and a short cable.
- Shared workshop or office use: think about where it can sit without being knocked.
How much space is enough
Look at the total size of the files you want to keep, then multiply by a comfortable margin. If the drive will hold copies of your computer, remember that each copy takes room. A drive that fills up completely leaves you with no space for the next copy, which defeats the purpose.
Connection and compatibility
Check the connector on the drive and the ports on your computer. Cables differ even when plugs look alike, so use the cable the maker supplies where you can. Also check the file format: some formats work on only one kind of computer, while others work across several but have limits on file size. The maker’s guide will describe the format the drive ships with.
Handling and care
Hard drives contain moving parts, so they dislike drops and knocks while running.
- Place the drive on a flat, stable surface.
- Eject it from the computer before unplugging.
- Keep it away from damp, heat and heavy dust.
- Do not move it while it is working.
It also helps to think about noise and power. Spinning drives hum and click a little, which some people notice in a quiet room. Desktop models draw power from the wall, so you need a nearby outlet and a spot where the adapter lead will not be tugged. Portable models take power through the data cable, which can be a problem with some unpowered hubs, so plug them straight into the computer where possible. Label the drive and keep the cable with it, so that a copy job is never delayed by a missing lead.
Finally, consider how you will use the space. A single large drive is simple, but two smaller drives let you keep one at home and one elsewhere, which spreads the risk.
FAQ
How long will a hard drive last?
There is no fixed answer. Drives can fail without warning, so treat any single drive as temporary and keep another copy of important files.
Can I use one drive for several computers?
Yes, if the format is readable by all of them. Check the format before you fill the drive with files.
The Short Version
Choose desktop or portable by how you work, leave room beyond what you hold today, and match the connector and file format to your computer. Handle it gently and keep a second copy.
