The nice thing about computers is that even the most basic ones come with ample data storage space. This allows you to save any work that you do on the computer, whether it is through one of the word processing programs or some other program.
If by some remote possibility you start to run out of data storage space on the computer itself, you can add more by making use of external hard drives. These are exactly what they sound like: pieces of equipment that can be used for data storage. They “piggyback” on to your regular computer by fitting into a special slot or space on the CPU or having a port that plugs into the computer.
External hard drives come in several different forms. These include CDs and flash (or thumb) drives. Some external hard drives are portable; others are meant to remain in a permanent location.
Besides providing additional data storage space on computers, external hard drives also provide additional security. When you “back up” computer files to them, no matter which kind you use, the information that is stored will be there, even if the computers on which the information was originally saved crash or become infected with a virus.
Many companies take this security effort one step further. Once the information is downloaded on to an external hard drive (this can be done every day or at regular intervals, depending on how often it is deemed necessary), the external hard drives can literally be removed from the site where the computers are located. This is sometimes referred to as “off-site” or “archive” data storage.
The external hard drives are stored in such a way that they can be easily accessed, if necessary, by authorized personnel. This way, should a building or office area suffer damage, or if a break-in should occur, the information on the off-site data storage is protected.