External HD Suggestions?

Question

I need an external HD to use as a slave drive to backup entire c:drive and also install and run Linux OS. I currently have a 200 gb HD that still has about 80% free space so thats not an issue. I just want it for security and I don't want to partition c: drive for multiple Linux installs. My main question is what kind should I get ( I want comparable speed and performance of C ) USB or USB to IDE????? In short what are the pros and cons of each .


thanx in advance

Answer 1

I would consider going about this another way....
I see two Issues
1. Backing up C:
2. Loading/reloading Linux

Here's some options I would consider
For problems 1:
Can you just identify the data neede to be backed up and throw it on a CD/CD-RW
Install a slave HD in the machine for the purpose of backing up c:

For problem 2
If your looking for C: performance, What about a removable harddrive kit, If you go for that Slave drive for data backup. Just switch with another harddrive and be up an running Linux.

Since you mention multiple Linux install, I believe it reformats the harddrive each time it installs so data stored will be erased, You may need more research on that part.

I know this may seem pricey, but how big do you need for a backup Harddrive, and Linux drive I know the HD kit is less than $20.

Anywho, Just thought about throwing some other options out there.

Hope this helps

Answer 2

USB drives are still limited to their bus speed which is about 1/3 that of ata (around 480mb/s compared to 1.2gb/s of ata). If you want it to be as fast as an ata you need another internal ata. Remember a byte is 8 bits. Remember also that your computer accesses it's own hard drive natively and usb is considered tertiary to it's nature thus accessing files from the usb drive will slow down your system immensely.

Answer 3

a million) i does not touch a WD - i've got had too many fail in too short a time. 2) i could recommend an internalchronic with a USB adapter field. the aggregate is oftentimes cheper than an externalchronic, and you will additionally merely confirm you're transforming into a powerfulchronic. 2) Seagate 7800.11 in despite length you prefer. We use an array of a few hundred of them, and have an rather low failure fee.

Answer 4

You can have your main OS on an external HD, as long as the System files are on the internal HD. Which would need to boot first.

Answer 5

I use a Maxtor 200GB usb and it is comparable to my C: drive.

Answer 6

I have this one, Its a very good & reliable drive. (USB 2.0)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822136026

Answer 7

go to pcworld.com and they can answer all your questions and they have pricegrabber.com so you can check out prices.