Downloading digital content using torrents can fill your computer's hard drive up fast, and serious P2P users will probably want to protect the files they've downloaded. Put those two concerns together and you have the need for an external hard drive!
External hard drives are good for more than just storing large files such as movies, TV shows and music. Of course, they're also good for backing up your other data. And they allow you to watch your movies on any computer without loading them onto that computer.
Before buying an external hard drive, make sure:
&bullYour PC has a free port and you have the appropriate cable (they don't always come with the hard drive
&bullThe size is right: One large hard drive might be more convenient, but riskier than two or more smaller ones.
Hard drives crash now and then, obviously, and you have to decide how much risk you want to take
&bullThe hard drive has the speed you need: at least 7200 RPM for video.
&bullThe hard drive is compatible with your version of Windows or Mac OS.
&bullThe hard drive is shock-resistant (if portability is a factor)
A 500GB hard drive is about $100, and leading brands include Seagate, Western Digital, Maxtor and Fantom, among others. As with any electronics purchase, make sure to read reviews and buyer feedback before you buy!
And once you have your external hard drive, you'll probably want to start filling it up! Check out UseNext, which you can use to download about 300 terabytes of data - anything from movies to games, videos and music. If it's a digital download, it's probably there.
