Hard Drives & other computer questions

[Computer_Commando]

quick Q for anyone still around...

i evidently have arounf 115 GB to work with and partition....

any idea on how to divide it up to work best?  I'd still like to hold my photos and what not on d:  I'm comfortable with that.

C-OS, Apps
D-Data
Get TweakUI to manage the folder locations.  See the My Computer tab.

[Allan]

If you don't want to follow patio's advice and get another hd, moving anywhere from 20-40 Gb from D: to C: should be fine.

[poonico]

is an external HD okay?

I haven't opened up a computer in ages and with 3 kids running around, anything could go wrong.

also, is there an easy dvd maker of some sort?  just to do my data?  I think i have a copy of roxio around here, but we never got along well, which is why it's not on here now.

[Allan]

An external drive is a perfect solution for you if you think you have enough room on your system partition / drive for now. And if you just want to copy data to a dvd, use Windows Explorer. For more comprehensive backups I STRONGLY urge you to get a disc imaging utility. Acronis True Image is not free but it's the best. Some free alternatives: http://www.thefreecountry.com/utilities/backupandimage.shtml

[poonico]

great, so let's say i put half of my current space on c: and half on d: and then get an external HD.... if i put most of my data on that (external)  *should* this computer be enough to last me a good while longer?

I know I'll have to get a new one eventually, but perhaps that's something I can just begin to put away for so that it's less painful, lol.

you guys have been great helps btw!

i started with this (a few days ago)
c: 15.00 GB     326 MB free
d: 98.61 GB     5.98 GB free

came here with this:
c: 15.00 GB     947 MB free
d: 98.61 GB     5.91 GB free

and so far, have this:
c: 15.00 GB    3.90 GB free
d: 98.61 GB    37.25 GB free

Most of the D: is photos :|

[Allan]

Computers can last MANY years --- as long as they continue to serve your purpose. Disc space is no reason to consider spending money on a new system. I'm a tech guy and love my toys - so every couple of years I add another system to my collection. But for the average user there's no reason to upgrade unless there's a reason to upgrade - if you know what I mean.

[poonico]

thank you   I'll see about ordering an external drive (any recs for good brands/buys?)  and I'm going to work on backing up my data today...

I'll def. post an update when I get this all sorted out.

BTW, so jealous of being a tech lovin' person... I miss those days *dreams*.... I use to love my gadgets, but kids and a modest lifestyle took over   I love them more, but it's always fun when I get something new that I can play with, lol.

[Allan]

I'm older than you are darlin' and I assure you - once a kid, always a kid   I've always loved my toys.

Pick any brand name for the external drive and you'll be fine. I use both Maxtor and Western Digital (my book line).

[BC_Programmer]

I was using a system from 1999 until relatively recently, and I know somebody who is quite computer-savvy who uses nearly the same setup as I had. Of course once I started to have extra money I inevitably poured it into a new system... twice now, actually. my last one I built myself


I can definitely vouch for Western Digital, I had a 286 with a 40MB WD drive in it that was working fine when I tore it apart, at which time I believe it was nearly 20 years old(!). Quite tough little drives from what I can tell. I haven't any experience with the "mybook" line, but if they are anything like their internal offerings (and I have no reason to think otherwise) then I doubt you'll be disappointed. 

[Geek-9pm]

I haven't opened up a computer in ages and with 3 kids running around, anything could go wrong.

Use Duct Tape!
Wrap the kinds in it.   
Just joking!