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When choosing between internal and external hard drives, consider your needs. Internal drives are faster, while external drives are more portable and secure. Both can be used for backups and data protection, and can be interchangeable with minor modifications.
When choosing between an internal or external hard drive, it can be helpful to consider the types of uses and needs you have for the drive. Internal devices often run faster and may be easier to use once installed in a computer. External drives, however, may be easier to use with multiple computers and may be more secure against potential data theft. Whether you should choose an internal or external hard drive largely depends on how you see each device’s strengths and weaknesses.
Data access speed
In general, an internal drive provides better speeds for accessing data and running software programs than an external drive. However, this can greatly depend on different hard drive models, but a Solid State Drive (SSD), for example, inside a computer tower typically offers faster speeds than an external device. Whether you’re considering an internal or external hard drive, you should compare speeds between different models and choose the fastest device you can afford.
Storage and backups
A common strategy for maintaining a backup of a primary drive or “C:” is to use two matching internal hard drives. In this case the system maintains a real-time mirror of your C: drive on the second one, providing you with constant backup media. If drive C: fails, simply remove it and make the secondary drive the new primary by adding a new drive in the secondary location.
You can also use a software utility to take an “image” of your C: drive so you can quickly rebuild it on a new device. An image is essentially a copy of your hard drive, including configuration files and all other contents. Storing an image on an external drive is an excellent form of backup, as it doesn’t take up space on your primary drive and can be updated regularly. This means that an internal or external hard drive can back up your data, as long as you use the correct configuration.
Information portability
An external drive can be easily moved between home or office computers. Memory sticks are useful for moving small amounts of data, but they don’t always offer the same flexibility as a portable hard drive with lots of memory. While an internal hard drive can be moved from one computer to another, it requires both cases to be opened and may involve changing the settings on each computer to recognize it correctly.
Privacy and security
One of the best features of an external drive is that you don’t need to have it accessible all the time. This makes it ideal for loading and using programs that you want to keep safe and away from others or protected from malicious software. By keeping your financial schedules, spreadsheets, and personal data on an external drive, you can leave them off while you browse the Internet and turn them on only when you need them. You can also take it with you when you go on vacation to use it with a laptop, leave it locked at home or remove it when children or roommates use the computer.
Data on an internal hard drive can be password protected, but this often involves more effort than simply disconnecting a device. These passwords can also be vulnerable to hack and leave your information exposed to someone else. Whether you want an internal or external hard drive for sensitive data, an external device is usually easier to protect.
Using one 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 “casing” that allows it to be easily connected to an external port on a computer. Likewise, most external devices can be opened, although this usually voids the warranty, and the hard drive inside can often be installed directly inside a computer. This means that a single device can function interchangeably as an internal or external hard drive with only a minor modification.
