Should I Buy an Internal or External Hard Drive?

When choosing between an internal or external hard drive, it can help to consider the types of uses and needs that you have for the drive. Internal devices often run faster and are easier to use once they are installed in a computer. External drives, however, can be easier to use with multiple computers and can be more secure against potential data theft. Whether you should choose an internal or external hard drive depends largely on how you view the strengths and weaknesses of each device.

Speed Data Access

In general, an internal drive provides better data access speeds and running software programs to an external one. This may depend largely on different models of hard drives, however, but a Solid State Drive (SSD), for example, inside a computer tower typically offers speeds faster than an external device . If you are considering an internal or external hard drive, then you should compare the speeds between different models and choose the fastest device you can afford.

Storage and backup

A common strategy for maintaining a primary backup or "C:" drive is to use two corresponding internal hard drives. In this case, the system maintains a real-time mirror of your C: drive on the second, providing you with constant backup support. If the C: drive should fail, you simply remove it and make the secondary disk the new main, adding a new disk to the secondary position.

You can also use a software utility to capture an "image" of your C drive: so you can quickly rebuild on a new device. An image is essentially a copy of your hard disk, including configuration files and all other content. Storing an image on an external drive is an excellent form of backup because it does not take up space on your primary drive and can be updated regularly. This means that either an internal or external hard drive can back up your data, as long as you use the correct settings.

Portability of information

An external hard drive can be easily moved between computers in a home or office. Memory sticks are nice to move small amounts of data but do not always offer the same flexibility to have a portable hard drive with a lot of memory. While an internal hard drive can be moved from one computer to another, it requires opening both cases and may involve a change of settings on each computer to recognize.

Privacy and Security

One of the best features of an external hard drive is that you do not have to have access at all times. This makes it ideal for loading and using programs you want secure and away from others or protected from malware. By keeping your financing programs, spreadsheets and personal data on an external hard drive, you can leave it off when browsing the Internet and only turn on when you need it. In addition, you can take with you when you go on vacation to use with a laptop, leave it at home locked, or remove it when children or roommates use the computer.

Data on an internal hard disk can be protected by word, but this often involves more effort than simply unplugging a device. These passwords can also be vulnerable to attacks and leave your contact information exposed for someone else. If you want either an internal or external hard drive for sensitive data, an external device is usually easier to protect.

By using a device for the other

One thing to consider, however, is that both devices are often interchangeable. An internal hard drive can be placed inside a "housing" that allows it to be easily plugged into an external port on a computer. Likewise, most external devices may be open, but this usually voids its warranty, and the hard drive within can often be installed directly inside a computer. This means that a single device can function indifferently either as an internal or external hard drive with just a small change.

• An internal hard drive.
• An external hard drive can be easily moved between computers.
• An internal hard drive with a removable case.
• An internal hard drive SSD.
• External hard drives can be connected to computers with USB cables.
• An external hard drive.