An external hard drive (or HDD) can help out in the event that a standard hard drive runs out of memory and does not want to delete the existing information. It can also be useful if you often need to carry a large amount of data with you.
Instructions
Step 1
External HDDs are usually available in two formats: portable (2.5 ") and desktop (3.5"). They are the most popular, which is not the case with ultraportable hard drives of 1.8 ". Make your choice based on the amount of memory you need. If you need to purchase a device that can contain several hard drives, then you should pay attention to the desktop models. In addition to the advantage in the form of a sufficient amount of memory (from 160 GB to 2 TB), such external disks also have significant disadvantages, namely: high weight, dimensions and the need for an external power supply.
Step 2
Pay attention to what material the hard drive case is made of. Most often, plastic is used in the manufacture of devices: it is quite lightweight, protects the disc from external influences and scratches. This is enough for home use. However, if you are going to carry it often (for example, take it on the road), it is better to take a closer look at the models with a metal case. It is much more reliable than plastic, especially when it comes to protection against mechanical damage. Perhaps the only drawback here is the heavy weight of such a device.
Step 3
When choosing a hard disk, it should also be borne in mind that when it is used for a long time, the device heats up excessively (and this, in turn, greatly affects the lifespan of the disk). This aspect is especially relevant for desktop external HDDs. That is why it is better to choose a model that the manufacturer has equipped with a built-in cooling fan. Although they will create additional noise during operation, they will reduce the heat load.
