The Virtual Pub

Come Inside... => The Computer Room => Topic started by: Bar Wench on January 06, 2009, 09:22:31 AM

Title: External hard drive
Post by: Bar Wench on January 06, 2009, 09:22:31 AM
Someone find me one? They confuse me, I have no idea what I am looking for.  surrender: Round about the £50 mark or is that really too low?
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: Barman on January 06, 2009, 09:24:20 AM
Someone find me one? They confuse me, I have no idea what I am looking for.  surrender: Round about the £50 mark or is that really too low?

What colour do you need it to be...? (http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/store/pcw_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@2021834562.1231233779@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccefadegefedlehcflgceggdhhmdgmh.0&page=Product&fm=null&sm=null&tm=null&sku=856731&category_oid=)  ::)
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: Bar Wench on January 06, 2009, 09:34:52 AM
Well in an ideal world it would be pink! But I'm not terribly fussy seeing as my laptop is black.
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: Barman on January 06, 2009, 09:53:49 AM
Well in an ideal world it would be pink! But I'm not terribly fussy seeing as my laptop is black.
Get the black one then... (http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/store/pcw_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@2021834562.1231233779@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccefadegefedlehcflgceggdhhmdgmh.0&page=Product&fm=null&sm=null&tm=null&sku=073233&category_oid=)
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: Barman on January 06, 2009, 09:57:18 AM
Or get this one  (http://www.amazon.co.uk/everytime-Protective-everydrive-CBA-Digital/dp/B0019HK3R8/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1231235732&sr=8-6)from Amazon...?
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: Bar Wench on January 06, 2009, 10:38:15 AM
How does it work anyway? Once I plug it in do I just treat it as a usb memory stick thing?
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: tel on January 06, 2009, 11:16:48 AM
Try Maplin. I looked in the one in Sutton the other day and they had some good deals. Most are USB but can also be Firewire. A doddle to use, usually no setup required, just plug in and off you jolly well go.
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: Darwins Selection on January 06, 2009, 12:38:14 PM
How does it work anyway? Once I plug it in do I just treat it as a usb memory stick thing?
Yes. Mine does

(See, I know about some things tekky!)
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: Snoopy on January 06, 2009, 12:41:30 PM
So does it speed things up then? ~ I ask because Minor has a lap-top (Dell) that I am told I cannot buy more memory for ~ apparently this particular old model was not built to be able to up-grade memory or summat.
Anywhoo ~ would an external hard drive be a cheap option to speed things up and enable him to play games etc?
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: Darwins Selection on January 06, 2009, 12:44:56 PM
So does it speed things up then? ~ I ask because Minor has a lap-top (Dell) that I am told I cannot buy more memory for ~ apparently this particular old model was not built to be able to up-grade memory or summat.
Anywhoo ~ would an external hard drive be a cheap option to speed things up and enable him to play games etc?

You are now outside my small sphere of knowledge.  redface:
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: Uncle Mort on January 06, 2009, 12:55:16 PM
An external hard drive is just a storage device, it won't speed up the computer. You need memory and/or a better graphics card. I would guess that the Dell laptop cannot take either.
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: Snoopy on January 06, 2009, 01:02:22 PM
An external hard drive is just a storage device, it won't speed up the computer. You need memory and/or a better graphics card. I would guess that the Dell laptop cannot take either.

The bit about memory and graphics cards is what the man in the shop said. I had hoped that perhaps an external hard drive would "speed" things up by taking some of the load but clearly my hopes are misguided.
In my ignorance I had assumed that more storage = more memory ~ this is based on the message that comes up on the screen saying "You have insufficent memory to play this game"
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: Darwins Selection on January 06, 2009, 01:34:06 PM
An external hard drive is just a storage device, it won't speed up the computer. You need memory and/or a better graphics card. I would guess that the Dell laptop cannot take either.

The bit about memory and graphics cards is what the man in the shop said. I had hoped that perhaps an external hard drive would "speed" things up by taking some of the load but clearly my hopes are misguided.
In my ignorance I had assumed that more storage = more memory ~ this is based on the message that comes up on the screen saying "You have insufficent memory to play this game"
How did you remember it said that?  worthy:
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: Uncle Mort on January 06, 2009, 01:35:09 PM
It's referring to the RAM (Random Access Memory) Sort of 'working' memory.

Just came across this interesting fact (to me anyway)

the chip in a chip-and-PIN credit card has roughly 30 times the processing power and 100 times the memory of the landing guidance computer on board the Apollo 11 Lunar Module.
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: TG on January 06, 2009, 01:36:16 PM
An external hard drive is just a storage device, it won't speed up the computer. You need memory and/or a better graphics card. I would guess that the Dell laptop cannot take either.

The bit about memory and graphics cards is what the man in the shop said. I had hoped that perhaps an external hard drive would "speed" things up by taking some of the load but clearly my hopes are misguided.
In my ignorance I had assumed that more storage = more memory ~ this is based on the message that comes up on the screen saying "You have insufficent memory to play this game"

That refers to RAM memory.

I may need an external hard drive soon to store porn music and similar.   noooo:
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: Snoopy on January 06, 2009, 01:36:36 PM
An external hard drive is just a storage device, it won't speed up the computer. You need memory and/or a better graphics card. I would guess that the Dell laptop cannot take either.

The bit about memory and graphics cards is what the man in the shop said. I had hoped that perhaps an external hard drive would "speed" things up by taking some of the load but clearly my hopes are misguided.
In my ignorance I had assumed that more storage = more memory ~ this is based on the message that comes up on the screen saying "You have insufficent memory to play this game"
How did you remember it said that?  worthy:

 redface: I went and tried to load the game and wrote down what it said.
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: Darwins Selection on January 06, 2009, 01:40:55 PM
An external hard drive is just a storage device, it won't speed up the computer. You need memory and/or a better graphics card. I would guess that the Dell laptop cannot take either.

The bit about memory and graphics cards is what the man in the shop said. I had hoped that perhaps an external hard drive would "speed" things up by taking some of the load but clearly my hopes are misguided.
In my ignorance I had assumed that more storage = more memory ~ this is based on the message that comes up on the screen saying "You have insufficent memory to play this game"
How did you remember it said that?  worthy:

 redface: I went and tried to load the game and wrote down what it said.

I have had an external floppy for years, but I can't remember on-screen messages.  rubschin:
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: Snoopy on January 06, 2009, 01:46:03 PM
An external hard drive is just a storage device, it won't speed up the computer. You need memory and/or a better graphics card. I would guess that the Dell laptop cannot take either.

The bit about memory and graphics cards is what the man in the shop said. I had hoped that perhaps an external hard drive would "speed" things up by taking some of the load but clearly my hopes are misguided.
In my ignorance I had assumed that more storage = more memory ~ this is based on the message that comes up on the screen saying "You have insufficent memory to play this game"
How did you remember it said that?  worthy:

 redface: I went and tried to load the game and wrote down what it said.

I have had an external floppy for years, but I can't remember on-screen messages.  rubschin:

I can remember a time when mine wasn't so floppy  redface:
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: tel on January 06, 2009, 01:51:06 PM
5 1/4 discs were floppies.

3.5 are known as "stiffies".
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: Uncle Mort on January 06, 2009, 01:59:41 PM
Haven't seen either in years.
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: Snoopy on January 06, 2009, 02:02:20 PM
Have you tried angling your shaving mirror?
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: Uncle Mort on January 06, 2009, 02:10:14 PM
Have you tried angling your shaving mirror?

Yes and using the magnifying side.  noooo:
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: Uncle Mort on January 06, 2009, 02:15:26 PM
And anyway, there's no slot to put them in anymore.  confused:
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: Nick on January 06, 2009, 02:19:33 PM
 happy100
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: tel on January 06, 2009, 02:36:46 PM
When I were a lad, we had 8 inchers.

The secretaries were always asking for more.
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: Bar Wench on January 06, 2009, 03:24:29 PM
So does it speed things up then? ~ I ask because Minor has a lap-top (Dell) that I am told I cannot buy more memory for ~ apparently this particular old model was not built to be able to up-grade memory or summat.
Anywhoo ~ would an external hard drive be a cheap option to speed things up and enable him to play games etc?

I want mine to store music and photos on. Whilst it won't speed it up I have found in the past that the more memory space I free up the quicker the pc runs. Whilst I have no idea why it does seem to be the case. My pc at work runs all my graphics stuff off an external hard drive as when I had it on my main pc it was terribly clunky. The external hard drive situation was created as a work around.

For £50 it is worth a try Snoops. If it doesn't work then it is a cheapish mistake that can be a useful backup medium.
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: tel on January 06, 2009, 03:29:21 PM
So does it speed things up then? ~ I ask because Minor has a lap-top (Dell) that I am told I cannot buy more memory for ~ apparently this particular old model was not built to be able to up-grade memory or summat.
Anywhoo ~ would an external hard drive be a cheap option to speed things up and enable him to play games etc?

I want mine to store music and photos on. Whilst it won't speed it up I have found in the past that the more memory space I free up the quicker the pc runs. Whilst I have no idea why it does seem to be the case. My pc at work runs all my graphics stuff off an external hard drive as when I had it on my main pc it was terribly clunky. The external hard drive situation was created as a work around.

For £50 it is worth a try Snoops. If it doesn't work then it is a cheapish mistake that can be a useful backup medium.

Quick and simple explanation -

Basically Windows (and other software) uses some of your hard drive as temporary "RAM" as and when needed. If your hard drive is very full, or has fragmented then it slows down everything - a tidy defragmented will always help to run stuff faster.
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: Grumpmeister on January 06, 2009, 06:11:56 PM
Snoop, what model Dell is it? I could just be in a cynical mood today but I can't see a major computer manufacturer making a laptop that has no upgradability at all.
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: Snoopy on January 06, 2009, 06:15:12 PM
Seriously old "Latitude CPi" ~ and three different local sources have confirmed that a memory upgrade is not viable.
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: Grumpmeister on January 06, 2009, 06:27:50 PM
From what I can tell I'd agree. With some of the older laptops because the specific type of memory isnt made anymore and I thought that may have been the case with yours.
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: Snoopy on January 06, 2009, 06:30:43 PM
From what I can tell I'd agree. With some of the older laptops because the specific type of memory isnt made anymore and I thought that may have been the case with yours.

That is the concensus.
Never mind ~ I was planning a new one for his birthday anyway ~ he'll just have to wait until August.
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: Grumpmeister on January 06, 2009, 06:39:49 PM
out of interest what game was he trying to play? Just so come August when you get the new laptop you don't disappoint him buying another one that can't run it  whistle:
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: Snoopy on January 06, 2009, 06:50:11 PM
Lego Locomotive.

We are talking ten year old here ~ we don't yet do the sort of games that would interest you.

Lego Loco takes up very little space on my PC but he wanted it on his lap-top (at least fourth hand to my knowledge) so that he could play it in his bedroom without me complaining of not being able to get at my own desk.

'Tis of little consequence ~ I just thought that perhaps an external hard drive would be a simple answer as the new lap-top is being dangled as bait to ensure good behaviour and I don't want to buy it for him without he earns it. Also this close to Christmas and with his little brother's birthday in a fortnight it doesn't seem the right time to buy him an expensive item, even if his brother got one for his birthday ~ if you see what I mean. We have been passing the "Latitude" down the line since I got it as my first lap-top on Ebay and as each member of the family become proficient and convinces me they will not fvck it up they get a better machine and the old one passes down. As Minimus says "By the time I get it ~ it'll be a legend, not a laptop."
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: Miss Demeanour on January 06, 2009, 07:15:36 PM
Wenchy - Maplins have got a 160gb for £44
http://www.maplin.co.uk/?&C=GKW&U=Maplin_Brand&T=Maplins%20-%20E&gclid=CKT1--vS-pcCFUse3god7XQJCw (http://www.maplin.co.uk/?&C=GKW&U=Maplin_Brand&T=Maplins%20-%20E&gclid=CKT1--vS-pcCFUse3god7XQJCw)

But to be honest shop around - I have a 500 Gb that cost about £60 and it is brill. Stores all my Video, music , photos, and shoe catologues. Essential  cloud9:
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: Grumpmeister on January 06, 2009, 07:29:58 PM
Wasn't so much thinking about interest Snoop as some games having backwards compatibility patches and fixes so they can be used on less powerful machines.

So how many songs, films etc can you fit on there after your show catalogues Miss D?  whistle:
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: Bar Wench on January 06, 2009, 07:48:41 PM
Wenchy - Maplins have got a 160gb for £44
http://www.maplin.co.uk/?&C=GKW&U=Maplin_Brand&T=Maplins%20-%20E&gclid=CKT1--vS-pcCFUse3god7XQJCw (http://www.maplin.co.uk/?&C=GKW&U=Maplin_Brand&T=Maplins%20-%20E&gclid=CKT1--vS-pcCFUse3god7XQJCw)

But to be honest shop around - I have a 500 Gb that cost about £60 and it is brill. Stores all my Video, music , photos, and shoe catologues. Essential  cloud9:

Cheers Miss D!
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: Snoopy on January 06, 2009, 07:53:49 PM
Amazon have a 1TB external for £78. Even you would find it hard to fill that up.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B001BKSA6O/ref=nosim/2009-digital-photo-frame-21
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: Nick on February 16, 2009, 01:53:16 PM
So I bought one of thiese pieces of shite earlier.

The instructions say: 'Plug it in'  angel1

The shop numpty said, 'That's all you have to do.'  rubschin:

Bastards  cussing: cussing:

Aftermuch checking on websites I have, I think, managed to back up my internal hard drive, but the device won't actually let me look at the files I have backed up, so how can I be sure they are there?  Angry9: Angry9:
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: Miss Demeanour on February 16, 2009, 02:01:20 PM
When you go to 'My Computer' does it not recognise this as an extra drive that you can just click on and explore ????
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: Grumpmeister on February 16, 2009, 02:38:08 PM
3 questions Nick.

1. Did you try it in all your unused USB ports?

2. Do you have Vista on your machine? Certain portable hard drives have been known to suffer compatibility issues.

3. Did it come with a driver disk? If all else fails try installing the drivers
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: Nick on February 16, 2009, 02:49:44 PM
3 questions Nick.

1. Did you try it in all your unused USB ports?

YES  cussing:

2. Do you have Vista on your machine? Certain portable hard drives have been known to suffer compatibility issues.

NO  cussing:

3. Did it come with a driver disk? NO  Angry9: If all else fails try installing the drivers
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: Miss Demeanour on February 16, 2009, 02:54:41 PM
What make is it ????
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: Nick on February 16, 2009, 02:56:47 PM
I think I have it werking now, thank you all very much  Angry9: Angry9: Angry9: Angry9: Angry9:
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: Miss Demeanour on February 16, 2009, 03:00:07 PM
User error  tunble:
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: Nick on February 16, 2009, 03:02:23 PM
On the ONE OCCASION in my life when I decided to read the manual first, the manual siad FOOK ALL  Banghead
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: Miss Demeanour on February 16, 2009, 03:10:39 PM
Never mind - it works now.

Now you have to start organising your life - I would recommend reading the manual for that first as well  lol:
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: Nick on February 16, 2009, 03:28:32 PM
This looks useful

http://www.frankahearn.com/howtodisappearguides.html (http://www.frankahearn.com/howtodisappearguides.html)
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: Grumpmeister on February 16, 2009, 03:42:02 PM
Nick it would have probably been easier (and cheaper) for you to just buy and empty enclosure and get a disk for it..  whistle:
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: Nick on February 16, 2009, 03:44:18 PM
Quote
for you to just buy and empty enclosure and get a disk for it.. 


Of what do you burble?
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: Grumpmeister on February 16, 2009, 03:54:19 PM
Buy an external hard disk enclosure and then a compatible OEM hard disk (brown box section in PC world) or cheaply online from various retailers (microdirect, scan, ebuyer etc). 2 second job to slot the hard disk in Nick, you wouldnt heven need to read the instructions, just line up the pins on the casing with the slot on the back of the disk.
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: Nick on February 16, 2009, 03:55:20 PM
Well it's a bit late for that now  Angry9: Angry9: Angry9: Angry9: Angry9:
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: Grumpmeister on February 16, 2009, 04:06:54 PM
Well it's a bit late for that now  Angry9: Angry9: Angry9: Angry9: Angry9:

True but I'm pretty sure I gave the same advice at the start of this thread...  whistle:
Title: Re: External hard drive
Post by: Nick on February 16, 2009, 04:07:40 PM
 crash: