i was thinking of getting one because mp pc memory is low but before i do i need to know some things. what can i put on it? like can i install pc games to it and they will run the same way? will i have 2 desktops if i get one? can i download stuff from the internet straight to it? can i share files from it? do they need to be plugged in or does it get powered by usb? is there a chance that files can get lost while transfering from my main hard drive to the external one
i know thats a lot of questions in the one but if you know any answers to any of them i would be very happy
2006-08-20 05:12:30 · 12 answers · asked by danilhastings 4 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Other - Hardware
1. Can i install pc games to it and they will run the same way?
No. Most games rely on the executable part of the game being on your C: drive. You may be able to put some of the other game files on there if the game configuration allows it
2. Will i have 2 desktops if i get one?
No. Your desktop is controlled by your operating system and that doesn't change
3. Can i download stuff from the internet straight to it?
Yes. Just select the drive as a target when downloading
4. Can i share files from it?
Yes
5. Do they need to be plugged in or does it get powered by usb?
Some drives do need plugging in if they work off Firewire cards (my external drive is like this) but others plug into a USB port. Drives plugged into a USB port will have a slower transfer rate
6. Is there a chance that files can get lost while transfering from my main hard drive to the external one
I suppose so but it is no greater than the chance of a file getting lost when being transferred to CD. In fact there is possibly less chance as the transfer rate is faster. The risk is negligible anyway and not one I would worry about
2006-08-20 05:23:37 · answer #1 · answered by Paul B 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
No problem answers to most of your questions are simply yes. You can exchange all info from one to another and run them just like a hard drive in your computer. No you do not have two desktops what will happen is it will simply come up and a new drive in your My Computer. I would be careful about installing games and trying to run them from the external mostly because of the path files needed when you unplug or turn off the drive it might not find it again and you will have to reinstall the game and just could be a mess although i have done it. So you make your decision on that. Most external drives are the same as an internal drives just with their own case that plugs in USB and no you usually need a wall out-let to power them unless you get a special one that doesn't need an external power source and there are a couple like that too. So any other questions feel free to contact me about it. Have fun and happy hunting.
2006-08-20 05:23:36 · answer #2 · answered by hellspites24 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
An external hard drive is just a regular hard drive in an external case. The hard drive plugs into the USB port. The hard drive also has an AC adapter that you plug into the wall.
As far as the computer is concerned the hard drive would be no different that an internal hard drive.
Just make sure to put the hard drive in a safe place. They are delicate and break very easily. My husband has broke 2 external hard drive from it sliding off the computer case.
2006-08-20 05:35:02 · answer #3 · answered by walkerhound03 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You can install games on it, but an external hard drive is so much slower, that games will probably lag, so it's not a good idea.
It's good for putting files, like music, pictures, zip files and other things you have downloaded.
You can download straight to it, it works just like hard drive in this aspect, only slower.
You can share files from it. If you mean to you friends, you can plug into their computers and copy files to/from it.
Most external drives come with a power adapter, but some are USB powered. Stay away from these, they are usually slower than those having a separate power adapter.
The only way files could when you copy them is if you pull out the cable while doing it. Most drives give you a little icon you can click for safe removal.
That's about all you asked I think. (:
2006-08-20 05:33:46 · answer #4 · answered by nitro2k01 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Your external hard drive should show as an icon on your screen. Simply drag and drop everything you want on that drive. If you want to clear space on your machine's hard drive then don't forget to delete whatever you move onto the Lacie once you have checked that it has transferred successfully. If you want to start putting stuff directly on the Lacie then just specify it as the destination whenever you save something. You have a massive amount of capacity as it stands and I am unsure why you want to move stuff onto the Lacie, unless it is for reasons of backup, which is obviously a good idea. It's a shame you are not on a Mac, as you would then have, on Leopard, the fabulous Time Machine facility which will mean never losing anything ever again. If you don't think you are much good at computers make your next one a Mac - they are simpler, smarter, and cooler than a PC, and much easier to use. Vista is where Mac was about ten years ago.
2016-03-17 00:16:33 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm answering ur questions in a row....
Q. what can i put on it?
A. Definitely u can buy an external USB hard drive. But if u don't need mobility u can just add another Internal hard Drive. If ur choice is External, there is cheap alternative. u ca buy a USB to IDE Adapter to make an ordinary internal drive a mobile one.That will cost u less then $20+HDD.just read the supplied manual.
Q. <
A. After plugging into USB port u will see some extra Drive(s). U can do anything on then just as ur fixed drive.
Q.<
A. Yes u have to if u use a USB to IDE Adapter. The power supply is generally included in the package.
Q.<< is there a chance that files can get lost while transfering from my main hard drive to the external one?>>
A. No if u don't face power failure.
Recommendation:
u better use a USB 2 port.if u don't have any then buy a USB 2 adapter card and geit installed on ur PCI Slot..
Good luck
2006-08-20 07:01:17 · answer #6 · answered by Wisedom Teeth 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Runs via a USB 2.0 connection. So you should see that your computer has USB 2.0 ports. Some WILL work on older USB1.1 but it is significantly slower access speed. They are like regular hard drives and will show up in "My Computer" on your system as the next available drive letter. You can also buy a regular hard drive and a USB to IDE adapter if you want a larger drive and don't want to pay the huge amount they charge for a premade ext drive.
2006-08-20 05:21:21 · answer #7 · answered by The::Mega 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Buy a normal PC HDD, use E-bay to get an external caddy('bout £10 -£15) thats what i did with my lappy, connects via usb, shows as an internal HDD in XP, removable disk in 98. check if the caddy requires power, and if leads/transformer is included.
You can use it like a normal hard drive. mine has all my games, and about £50,000 worth of music, films and pc apps. mine doesn't require extra power, it's a lappy drive, smaller, but 2x the cost =0( a pc drive might require extra power as usb only deliver 5v. you can share files on it, as i am on winMX as i type. You stand no more risk losing files as you would copying from one directory to another.
Two desktops? you'll need two graphics cards/monitors for that
I've also changed the windows temp folders /pagefile so they run off the external drive, to take the load off my internal, but you are then limited to USB bandwidth (1mb per second USB1, 450mb(i think) USB2, but windows proper winges if you remove it while they in use.
2006-08-20 05:29:24 · answer #8 · answered by z3b3rd33 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Dear friend, I'll try to answer ur quistions one by one ok.
1st : you can put any media you want such as mp3s, movies, programs and every thing.
2nd : you can't install game on any drive but C: so when you move with your H.D.D you'll need to install them again.
3rd: No you willn't have 2 desktops caus you will work in your own desktop that you every day see it but you will find other drives in My Computer icon on your desktop.
4th : Sure you can download straight to the other H.D.D .
5th: Yes you can share files from it cause it will be like you hard disk with larg space.
6th : Of cours they need to be plugged.
7th : No changes will found if you do the right.
I think now that I'de answerd all your quistions.
With love
Demos
2006-08-20 05:37:58 · answer #9 · answered by demosforever 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Most just connect via USB. Very simple.
The best external drives at the moment are the western digital "book" drives
2006-08-20 10:20:36 · answer #10 · answered by Siu02rk 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋