Hi, I am considering to buy an external hard drive. I need your help to understand a little bit which would be my best choice...
Does the external hard drive need to be always plugged in to the computer (e.g. to get power) in order to store the data? My plan was to transfer my pictures and then put it in my attic, as a backup of my pictures and video clips. I do not want to have it plugged to the power supply nor the computer. Is this possible?
2007-03-12 02:31:44 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Other - Hardware
No, you can unplug it, move it to another computer, store it in a cupboard, or whatever.
It is a hard disk, not RAM and data can survive without power just like the data on the internal hard disks can when the computer is turned off.
2007-03-12 02:33:53 · answer #1 · answered by David D 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It depends on the brand and the size of memory. Typically the usb cable conects the device to the computer while the HD also has it's own seperate cable to run the cooling fan, and other features of the device. Examples to look into:
A thumb drive is smaller and cheaper. (needs power to transfer files, but does not need power to maintain storage for a seemingly indefinate amount of time). I bought one of these 5 years ago 1gig storage. It's been in the sun, it's been washed accidentally, it's been left in a box for years unused...and the files from when I first bought it are still there.
A MP3 player/storage device is a HD and an IPod style device (has it's own battery, while it "charges" from the computer it maintains power at all times. I'd look at getting a Zune because you don't need Apple software to view files on the display or to play back your video clips.)
A true external hardrive is far larger in capacity (uses external sorce of power). Good thing about these are the security features. They can be programmed so that only you can see what's on them, and if stolen no one else can access your data...without erasing it of course and reformating the thing.
2007-03-12 02:53:19 · answer #2 · answered by John Rambo 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
an external hard drive works something like a rewrittable CD. to transfer ure pictures you must connect it to the computer. When it is not in use you can put it anywhere. Its suggested that you dont put it near something hot/in direct sunlight etc. plus if ure attic is really dusty i would not suggest it. just dump it into a desk drawer. otherwise if you know how u can just use an ordinary hard disk -put all ure data on and leave it somewhere dust free. External Hard drives are more for portability than storage.
2007-03-12 02:37:16 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, the external hard drive does not need to be kept plugged into the power supply or the computer. Once you have transferred your files to your hard disk, they will remain there even after you have unplugged the drive.
2007-03-12 02:37:47 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you have a good idea, and make sure the storage area is a dust free bag or box
If you use it as a Disaster Recovery Unit, you may want to Ghost your Operating system as well, but make sure you have a boot Disk or Boot CD that has all the Needed drivers top access the external drive.
2007-03-12 02:35:02 · answer #5 · answered by Mictlan_KISS 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Hard drives whether internal or external are storage devices and they can retain the data without power also. You'd need the power only while accessing it.
2007-03-12 02:35:24 · answer #6 · answered by irf 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I do the same thing so don't worry. Just transfer your files over and you can leave it off with no power. Your files will be waiting for you whenever you wish to retrieve them
2007-03-12 02:40:29 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is possible. You can get one that only is powered by the usb. You can back up your data and then unplug the usb cord from your pc.
2007-03-12 02:35:39 · answer #8 · answered by ocean 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
ok... so: in case you reproduction records onto the exterior difficult force, you will choose the force related once you opt for to get entry to the records. you may 'accurately do away with' the force and then save it someplace, powered off, in case you would be able to desire to - yet once you opt for to get entry to those records you may merely plug it decrease back in back. in case you reproduction the records off and then delete them out of your laptop (and then run a defragment) your laptop in all probability will run speedier merely by way of being much less cluttered. i like the western digital difficult drives. I very own 3 1TB drives, yet you may merely get one 500GB force, they are greater effective than adequate of the potential of maximum individuals.
2016-10-01 23:54:16 · answer #9 · answered by leeks 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yea i'm pretty sure it is. i would call geek sqaud to make sure but i think it is. All you need to do is out your pics on there and turn off your comp and unplug the drive.
2007-03-12 02:34:55 · answer #10 · answered by nateboard01 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋