What is an External Hard Drive Really?

 by TonyShepard

Photo: betweendreamsmag.com

Every computer contains a hard drive, a way of storing applications, photos, music, movies and other files in its memory. An external hard drive is the same kind of device used to store your digital information on a unit separate from your computer. For this reason, it is often used to backup data in the event of a hard drive crash or other malfunction. Like most people, if you keep your family photos in your computer, and if you don't have an external hard drive, you run the risk of losing them forever if your computer breaks down. But if you store them on the external devise, your pictures will be preserved.

In addition to backing up your data, an external hard drive can also be used to supplement the storage space you already have on your computer. More people are keeping more information on their computers, like movies and music. Files like these can quickly fill up all the available storage space on on your computer, which can have a negative effect on your computer's speed and your hard drive's stability. An internal hard drive filled to the brim with files has a much greater probability of data corruption or system crash. An external hard drive is a cost effective way to give you extra storage for these kind of files, which frees space for your personal use, and can improve the stability and performance of your computer. You can also use an external hard drive to hold an additional account. All you have to do is select the external hard drive as the computer's start up disk, and you have all new computing environment.

External hard drives are very easy to use. Usually, all you need to do is connect it to your computer via a common USB port. Sometimes, if you have the available interface on the computer and depending on the model of your external hard drive, you may also use a Firewire cable for greater transfer speeds. It is also possible to interface with your external hard drive wirelessly for greater convenience.

The most common variety of external hard drives for computers are disk drives, which store information on a magnetic disc and is read by a small stylus. This cost effective means of storage has been the standard for years, but is prone to the occasional crash or breakdown when dropped. For only a few extra dollars, you may purchase a solid state external hard drive, which is more stable than standard disk drives, and is much less prone to damage if dropped. These devises store data electronically on chips, with no movable parts, in the same way common flash drives store information.

Find out more about external hard drives by visiting AskDeb.com.

Source: ArticleTrader.com

Share