An integral part of any computing set-up is data storage capacity. Storing and backing data safely and correctly is important to overall performance. Storage and backup come in handy whenever there is data loss in the system. This function is handled by the hard disc drive on the PC. However, these come with their limitations.
The solution to storage and backup problems is an external hard disc drive. It offers a quick and safe way to store data. In any unforeseen event that corrupts the data on the PC, the backup is still available on the external hard drive.
Many diverse types and sizes of external hard disc drives are available. Choosing the right one for your needs is a weighty decision to make. Before we make that decision, we must be aware of the hard disc drive and its function.
Two main types of Hard Disc Drives
The two major types of hard disc drives are bifurcated depending on how they are connected to the PC.
Internal hard disc drive
As the name suggests, these are placed within the PC. They are plugged into both the motherboard and the power supply. One essential advantage of an internal drive is fast data transfer speeds. This makes it ideal to hold the operating systems and software here.
External hard disc drives
These are external storage devices that are connected to the PC via a USB connection. Most rely on power from the PC. Some of the larger ones may need a separate power supply. The data transfer speeds may vary from drive to drive. They are ideal for
- Data storage for a longer time
- Storing large files that may not fit in a USB flash drive
These are also known as portable storage due to the flexibility they offer. They are built to be portable and to be used with different devices. They can be carried to separate locations as well. Depending on the storage capacity, they can hold a large amount of data in a small device.
Unique applications of external hard disc drives
The portability of external drives makes them suitable for diverse usage. Some of the uses are
Data Transport
They are good for transporting large quantities of data that a flash drive cannot hold. We do have the option of using cloud services. However, clouds can be slow and restrictive. Moreover, the subscription for a cloud service may turn out to be cost-prohibitive. An external hard disc drive can prove to be a worthwhile investment. They are simple to use, easy to carry, and can be plugged into multiple devices.
Data Backup
The modern PC is designed to handle all types of diverse data in the form of assignments, photographs, videos, etc. Enormous amounts of data are processed and stored. We rely on all the data for most of our activities. However, all the data can be lost in case of any damage to the system. It is convenient to have all the data backed up in another storage device.
Data Security
Since these devices are not directly connected to the PC, all data stored here is secure. Once data is transferred into the external hard disc drive, no one can access or misuse that data.
Data Archive
Some of the data stored on a computer can be extremely sensitive. Some examples are legal documents, financial data, medical records, tax records, etc. Secure archival of sensitive data is extremely important. An external hard disk drive is a perfect option for this purpose.
Storage size of external hard disc drives
External hard disc drives are available in assorted storage sizes. 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB are the most commonly used. When purchasing an external hard drive, size is a key factor to consider. Different users will need varied sizes.
- A 500GB drive is ideal for students who can keep study material and assignments and easily carry it around. Small families may need them to archive sensitive data instead of keeping them on the PC
- 1TB drives are good for the backup of enormous amounts of data. To get a perspective, it can easily store almost 500 hours (about 3 weeks) of high-quality video.
- 2TB drives are popular with professionals, gamers, and businesses. This can hold 4 times the data held by a 500GB drive. They can carry almost 1000 hours (about 1 and a half months) of HD video.
How to decide which one is the right external hard disc drive for you?
Armed with some information about external hard disc drives and their uses, choosing the right one is simple. It all depends on the amount of storage capacity, flexibility, and the price you are willing to pay.
Storage capacity
Since storage capacity is linked to price, it is a major factor to consider when shopping for an external hard disc drive. Most often, a 500GB drive is ample to back up documents, files, photographs, etc. Professionals and gamers require higher storage capacity like 1TB or 2TB or for people who want the external drive in one place.
Portability
Smaller drives are safer when data must be transported from one place to another. Another factor to consider is smaller drives usually do not need an additional power connection. It may be riskier to move large-capacity drives as they are bulkier, may need a power connection, and can get damaged very easily.
Finally, the most important factor is your budget. If you are looking to back up limited data and want portability, a 500GB drive is a good bet when considering your budget. If you need to store more, do not need portability, and budget is not a constraint, a 1TB drive or higher is good for you.
Conclusion
Concerning data storage and backup, purchasing an external hard disc drive is a crucial decision you make. Geonix offers a wide range of reliable external hard disc drives. A wider choice makes it easier for you to decide and choose.
