Hylton Conacher (ZR1HPC) wrote:
Hi Basil,
Basil Chupin wrote:
Hylton Conacher (ZR1HPC) wrote: <snip> *Every* HD is "Linux compatible" - all that is needed is to format it in one of the Linux file systems (but mine has 2 partitions with one formatted in FAT32 and the other in reiserfs).
I would have thought that every HD is compatible however it was a compatible enclusure I am seeking ie no drivers required.
I am getting this feeling that we are not on the same wavelength... The ENCLOSURE is simply an aluminium case/box which houses the hard drive. It uses a USB (or a Firewire or both) connector to hook up to your computer and once you plug it into your computer the OS automatically recognises it as a USB device and mounts it. The enclosure does not have any drivers - they are already installed in you OS.
And dont't waste your money on buying "External USB Drive for Backup Purposes". :( You've just flattened my whole day :)
It is easier and a quicker solution for me purchase a USB drive
Are you talking here about a Hard Drive or a USB *FLASH* drive? I am talking about an HD.
than try and fight with getting a better snd more decent switchbox between the two machines. Asides I can always use the drive to ferry large amounts of information too.
What "switch boxes" are you talking about? Where do they come from?! You simply plug the USB connector on the "enclosure" into one of the USB ports on your computer - and if you have 2 computers then you plug it into each one as and when required. "To ferry large amounts of information.." - this is what the HD is designed to do and which is why I suggested that you buy one which suits your needs and which meets your pocket. I have 2 of these external HDs which I "put together" by buying 2 enclosures: 1 is a 200GB/16MB cache Maxtor and the other a 80GB/4MB cache Maxtor which I use to backup the data on the 3 computers that I have.
These "Externals" are no more than an ordinary HD enclosed in an external case. For example, there is one here in OZ which sells for ~$AU499 and has a 300GB HD in an external case (USB connection). I can put together the same thing for ~$AU224 by buying the same HD and an external case at the local Computer Fair (300GB Maxtor/16MB cache ~$AU180 and the external case $AU35 - $AU49 depending on what turns you on). All noted. I'll definitely see if I can build my own.
Get yourself an external case which-
1) uses an external power supply Wise advice 2) has an ON/OFF switch That parks the heads when off I would assume.
No, the heads are parked automatically nowadays when the HD is not reading/writing. The switch is to switch if off otherwise it remains on all the time unless you switch if off at the powerpoint which is most probably somewhere under the damn table and I don't like getting under the table on all fours to grope for the powerpoint.
3) preferably has an built-in fan to cool the box I have one of these already :) , it is called a desktop PC :)
I *am* getting the feeling that we are on 2 different plains. When you get your external USB case, bought or built, and it doesn't have a fan then you will know what I am talking about here. While your PC has at least 1 fan and a large enough space within it for the heat from the HD to dissipate, the heat in the external case is trapped in very, very confined space and even though modern HDs can operate at ~70 degrees C I don't like to think that any of mine operate at close to that temperature.
4) uses the USB connection (there are some which use IEEE; but there are some which have both). The more networking connections I say the better. Heck even 9pin serial is faster than no connection.
Then get yourself an HD of your favourite brand and of the size you want/can afford, then put the HD into the box, format the HD and away you go backing things at your leisure.
External HDs are not backup media I have been told and accepted however tey do make good MTAs :)
Ce? "External HDs are not backup media"?! That's how they started life- as backup units for those who didn't have a second HD installed or, if they did, wanted a destination which could be transferred from one computer to the next for backup purposes. Someone is giving you wonky advice.
Tnx
Cheers. -- All answers questioned here.