desktop hard drive to external hard drive image
Colin H
I have a laptop and I would like to get an external hard drive to backup my data. I was wondering the difference between a Desktop External Hard Drive and a External Portable Hard Drive. Can I use a Desktop External Hard Drive with my laptop? Or not? Please be as detailed as you can as I am somewhat computer illiterate. All help would be greatly appreciated.
Answer
Both would work with your laptop as they both use a USB port to connect to your computer, which both laptops and desktops are equipped with.
Desktop Eternal Hard drive- It is physically larger and is used for larger storage needs. These drives need to be plugged in to their own power supply in order to work. This doesn't necessarily mean you can't pick up the drive and take it with you, it's just that it's larger and more cumbersome, because it needs to be plugged into an outlet in order to run. So these are ideal for leaving on your desk at home or work.
Pros: More storage capacity
Cons: Needs an outside power source
External Portable Hard Drive: A smaller physical drive, therefore more portable. It doesn't require an outside power source. It will run off the power from your laptop. These tend to have small storage capacities than the Desktop Drives though. But they are also small enough to thrown in your laptop bag or backpack on the go as they tend to have a low profile.
Pro: Small and portable, No external power needed
Con: Smaller storage capacities, draws power from your laptop and can be battery draining if constantly plugged in.
So you need to figure out what you'll be using the drive for. If it's just for storing and backing up your system, go for the desktop drive. If you think you'll be using the external drive to backup files on the go, or transporting files, go with the portable drive. I can guarantee both with work with your computer. It is just a matter of figuring out your needs.
Both would work with your laptop as they both use a USB port to connect to your computer, which both laptops and desktops are equipped with.
Desktop Eternal Hard drive- It is physically larger and is used for larger storage needs. These drives need to be plugged in to their own power supply in order to work. This doesn't necessarily mean you can't pick up the drive and take it with you, it's just that it's larger and more cumbersome, because it needs to be plugged into an outlet in order to run. So these are ideal for leaving on your desk at home or work.
Pros: More storage capacity
Cons: Needs an outside power source
External Portable Hard Drive: A smaller physical drive, therefore more portable. It doesn't require an outside power source. It will run off the power from your laptop. These tend to have small storage capacities than the Desktop Drives though. But they are also small enough to thrown in your laptop bag or backpack on the go as they tend to have a low profile.
Pro: Small and portable, No external power needed
Con: Smaller storage capacities, draws power from your laptop and can be battery draining if constantly plugged in.
So you need to figure out what you'll be using the drive for. If it's just for storing and backing up your system, go for the desktop drive. If you think you'll be using the external drive to backup files on the go, or transporting files, go with the portable drive. I can guarantee both with work with your computer. It is just a matter of figuring out your needs.
Should I disconnect my external desktop hard drive everytime I shut down my computer?
mgnplzzzz
I have an external desktop hard drive which is connected to my PC as well as a PSU... Should I disconnect it every time I shut down my computer, or put it to sleep/restart?
Paranoid about it failing.
Answer
It depends on how often you use it. On the whole, there is no danger in leaving it permanently connected. The only threat is the risk of it being stolen or worse still, being subjected to unnecessary movements and g-shock.
Most hard drives (internal and external) are of the spinning platter type and as such should not be subjected to unnecessarily physical movement while plugged in and powered on. Such movement can damage the platter as the distance between the read/write heads and the platters is microscopic.
If you are sure it won't be moved unnecessarily or accidentally, then you can leave it plugged in permanently. But if you use it with a laptop, then I'll strongly advise that you connect it only when you want to use it as it is very easy to forget that it's plugged in and then move or carry the laptop which will then cause the unnecessary movement and platter damage I mentioned earlier.
Shutting down or stand by will not affect the drive as it will be controlled by automatic power management and probably be put into sleep mode by Windows. And even if it doesn't enter sleep mode, there is still no risk of damage.
All the best.
It depends on how often you use it. On the whole, there is no danger in leaving it permanently connected. The only threat is the risk of it being stolen or worse still, being subjected to unnecessary movements and g-shock.
Most hard drives (internal and external) are of the spinning platter type and as such should not be subjected to unnecessarily physical movement while plugged in and powered on. Such movement can damage the platter as the distance between the read/write heads and the platters is microscopic.
If you are sure it won't be moved unnecessarily or accidentally, then you can leave it plugged in permanently. But if you use it with a laptop, then I'll strongly advise that you connect it only when you want to use it as it is very easy to forget that it's plugged in and then move or carry the laptop which will then cause the unnecessary movement and platter damage I mentioned earlier.
Shutting down or stand by will not affect the drive as it will be controlled by automatic power management and probably be put into sleep mode by Windows. And even if it doesn't enter sleep mode, there is still no risk of damage.
All the best.
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