One of the most disastrous things that can happen when using a computer is that the hard drive fails. All of the files that you have are lost. You could hire someone to try and extract the files, but this can be expensive. The better way is to back up your files before the hard drive fails. There are many ways. You can do an online backup. You can put the files on CDs. Or, you can use an external hard drive. The external hard drive acts like a hard drive in your computer only this one is not actually built in. You can carry it around and connect it to different computers. But, what is most important about it is that it can protect all of your files and ensure you have a copy should something happen to your computer.

How to Use an External Hard Drive

Using an external hard drive is similar to using a flash drive only the hard drive is bigger. Depending on the size, you might need to have a separate power outlet, but for the most part, the external hard drive acts in a very similar fashion to a flash drive. You plug it into your computer via the USB and then locate it as an available drive, copy files over and then you’re done.

The first step to using it is to connect the power supply to the wall–if there is one–and the USB to the computer. Once the hard drive is turned on and connected to the computer, allow it to be recognized. This might take a few seconds, especially if it is the first time that you have used this external hard drive on the computer. Once it is connected, you should be alerted in the bottom right hand corner.

Go to your start menu and then click on computer. This opens up your list of available drives. It’ll include your C and your D. If you have a CD drive, it’ll include that. And now, with the external hard drive connected, it’ll include that. You’ll want to double click on the external drive to open up that folder. Inside you might see a few folders already–these are the installers so the computer can recognize the drive.

Take the files that you want to put on the external and drag them over. If you want to keep a copy on your desk, hit the copy button and then paste them in the external folder. Once they are transferred, you can close the folders down. When using a flash drive, usually you can pull it out right away, but you can potentially fry the drive that way. Don’t do that with an external hard drive. Go to the bottom right hand corner of the screen, stop the device so the power–if it gets the power from the computer–is cut and then remove it. Unplug all plugs, pack it up and your files are safe. It’s advised to back up at least once a week.