Whatever you call them; external or portable
drives or caddies, it's hard to ignore their popularity. They are
cheaper, lighter and can store more information than ever before - and they
make a great backup device. However, like any other computer component,
they are subject to failure. Follow these essential tips to ensure you
keep your portable drive running smoothly, and your data intact.
* Always use the "Remove Safely", "Eject" or
"Unmount" options before unplugging your device from the
computer. Most operating systems need time to 'flush' the remaining data
down the cable and complete and writing activities for the file structure to
remain stable.
* Beware that portable devices by their very nature are an excellent target for
thieves. If you use your portable device outside the safety of your home
or office always ensure you have a backup in case of theft or loss. Also
consider using encryption if the data is highly sensitive.
* External devices due to their light and portable nature - most lacking fans
and heat sinks - do not dissipate heat very well. Keep an eye on the
temperature of your device and power it down if it starts to feel too
hot. Hard drive temperature monitoring programs are available, but a low
tech solution is to simply use your hand and get a feel for when you may be
exceeding recommended operating temperatures.
* If your portable device requires external power (i.e. 240v power plug) ensure
you use the correct plug that came from the manufacturer. Power
transformers are not all designed the same, and while a different plug might
fit, if more voltage is applied than is necessary you can do electrical damage
to the external casing and potentially to the hard drive itself.
* Obviously, try not to drop your device. While some cases are quite
rugged and can take a bit of a beating, dropping, knocking or bumping your
device - especially while powered on - typically causes damage to the hard
drive motor which will require a specialist data recovery technician and a
Class 100 clean room to fix.
http://www.cbldatarecovery.com.au/external-hard-drive-recovery.html
