External Hard Drive

Hi !
My computer's getting super slow... I need to buy an external drive. Is there something I should know while buying such a thing ? My bro recommended at least 1 TB. What do you think ? and Are they any brands that are an absolute no-no ?
(I'm on pc if it's any relevant)

Tags: drive, external, hard

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Mark P on January 30, 2010 at 4:26pm: I have those can't replace images, Birthdays, graduations ect saved to 2 different harddrives then DVD and prints that have been printed at a mini lab. I also have those extra special of the can't replace files saved to memory sticks/ USB Drives which I believe is the best data back up device of all. I bought a memory stick to keep work files on in 2005 that stick was stored in the car for almost all its life only to see a computer maybe weekly to have another file added or reviewed. For easy and instant access I hang it from the Heater Vent in the car. My first stick has only recently been replace not because it was failing but because it was falling apart from 5 years of touter in the blazing sun and I thought if I don't replace this stick something will happen. Manufactures of repute say these trusty devices will retain data for 10 years after torturing minefor five years without incident I think a well look after memory sticks/ USB Drive would do it's 10 years with ease.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Stephen Coiner on January 30, 2010 at 5:33pm: Les, thanks for the compliment, and I have a small fire safe that I do not keep locked, so if someone breaks in they can open it and see that there are nothing but backup cd's inside, no need to steal it only to find out later there is nothing of value inside for them. Also if there is a fire the plastic on the outside will melt and seal the safe shut so you don't have to worry about stuff falling out, unless you store it on the second floor and the floor collapses before it seals....LOL there are always ifs. As for how long will cd's and dvd's last, they will last long enough for 2 more generations of technology to come out so I can transfer them again to whatever is new. Blank Cd's being around 20 cents and dvd's 30 cents a pop, I can live with it.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Matt Johnston on February 1, 2010 at 11:31am: I wrote a post about this on my site. CLICK HERE to read it.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Mao on February 1, 2010 at 1:56pm: Sandy said :

if the drive dies, as they all are said to do, then it's me for the computing cloud.

--That's why I will have a back up of my back up. Surely they will not brake at the same time ! ;]

@Les
-- I understand what you're trying to say. LoL !

@Stephen
-- Wow ! Thx so much !! Very cool advices and I really think this is my real problem : a hidden spyware. Should I defragment before upgrading Window 7 or after ?

@Matt
-- Ah ? Cool ! I'll check it out ! It has been a while since I've check your site wich I find awesome by the way. Super easy to browse and interesting to read. Hope you are doing better, take care. ♥; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by T Turner on February 1, 2010 at 2:49pm: I don't believe an external HD will make your computer faster.

1) You might try cleaning your computer first. Download CCleaner (free). I have used it for years and highly recommend it.

2) If you are using Windows, click on Start/All Programs/Accessories/Run (Run might be under System Tools depending on your version of Windows).

3) In the Run box type in MSCONFIG.

4) In the System Configure click the Startup Tab.

5) Uncheck programs that start up when your computer boots up such as, Adobe, Java, messenger, Skype, Canon program, Nikon programs, (you can open these program when you want to use them - they do not need to be running in the background - when your computer needs Java, it will go find it on it's own) Uncheck any PROGRAM (not system applications).

6) Click Apply and restart the computer.

Use CCleaner to clean the Register - it will back up any changes so it can replace any changes made to the register if need be. I have never had to undo any changes to the Register that CCleaner cleaned.

Any questions, let me know.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Stephen Coiner on February 2, 2010 at 1:34pm: Mao, you don't necessarily have to defrag to upgrade top Windows 7, but it would make it much faster. However do make sure that your system is clean of any spyware or viruses before upgrading. Windows needs all the help it can get not to crash especially during an upgrade where if something does go wrong halfway through you could end up starting from scratch.; ▶ Reply to This