An external hard drive is a great way to get extra storage space for your files. They can also help save wear and tear on your internal computer hard drive.
They can even provide backups if you schedule them to occur. However, like any other piece of hardware, they can fail for a variety of reasons.
Storage
For people who transfer large files between multiple computers, an external hard drive is a great option. These drives are typically powered via USB and use fast connectors like Thunderbolt or USB-C, meaning they can move data at a much faster rate than the internal drive in your computer.
These drives come in a range of storage capacities, from 500 gigabytes to 36 terabytes. To determine the right size to purchase, it’s important to understand what you will be using the drive for. For example, if you only need to store documents and files, then a smaller drive may suffice. However, if you want to back up your photos and videos on the drive, then a larger capacity will be needed.
You also need to consider whether you would prefer a hard drive with a built-in power source or one that runs off battery power. Typically, hard drives with a built-in power source are more durable than those that run off battery, which can potentially fail in certain circumstances.
Portability
The best external hard drives are lightweight and compact, so they can easily fit into a bag or backpack. Many also come with security features like fingerprint recognition to prevent unauthorized access to the data they contain.
They can store large media files, including audio and video. Some even have the ability to create backups automatically, so users can easily restore their original files should they be deleted or damaged.
The Buffalo MiniStation Extreme NFC USB 3.0 is a solid choice for those who want a rugged external drive that can go with them on the go. Its durable case can withstand drops from up to 1.2 meters, and it comes with shock-absorbent bumpers for added protection. The hard drive itself is encased in anodized aluminum and rated IP54 for dust, water, and crush resistance up to 1,000 pounds. It’s designed to work with PCs and Macs, and it includes a USB-C cable and adapter.
Security
Unlike a hard drive inside a computer, an external one isn’t permanently connected. This means that it can be removed from the computer and kept somewhere safe. This is a big advantage over uploading data to the cloud because it prevents hackers from having access to sensitive information.
In addition, an external hard drive is also less susceptible to damage than a normal internal drive. This is because it is not constantly writing to the drives platters and can thus last longer. This is especially true for SSD based drives.
Another benefit of an external hard drive is that it allows you to keep backups of your data. This is important because even the best computers can get hacked and you don’t want to lose decades of work. You can find a variety of drives that offer this feature but you should be sure to get a drive with hardware encryption for the most security. This will require someone to have the pin code in order to read the drive.
Performance
Unless you’re looking for incredibly fast transfer speeds or the highest level of security, most external hard drives are pretty comparable in terms of overall performance. They’re available with a wide range of interfaces, including USB 2.0 and 3.0, Thunderbolt 1 and 2, and more.
A lot of people buy these devices to solve issues with their computer’s internal storage. Once your computer gets full, it can slow down dramatically and even stop working altogether in certain cases. Supplementing your internal storage with an external drive solves this problem and can save you the cost of upgrading your computer entirely.
Another common use for these drives is storing large image and audio files that create hefty data-transfer demands. These drives can support RAID setups, which allow multiple hard drives to act as a single disk and deliver a much faster transfer rate. Often these drives come with a backup software bundled into them, so you can keep all of your files safe and sound.