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Here's an interesting question: should I turn off my external hard drive when not in use? Leo Notenboom, who I mentioned back in July, addressed this issue a few days ago on his Ask-Leo.com Web site.

In short, there is no one clear answer, a number of issues have to be considered. What surprised me, though, about Leo's answer, was that he didn't mention my reason for turning off my external hard disk.

(Credit: Western Digital)

Being a pessimist is necessary for defensive computing. The main reason I turn off my external hard disk is to protect it from me.

When my computer boots, the first thing it does is run a scheduled backup of my important files to the external hard disk. After I verify the backup ran successfully, I turn off the hard disk and leave it off until the next backup. The disk is used exclusively for backup. My backups are run by a .bat file and, in case I forget, the last thing it does is remind me to turn off the hard disk.

Why? With the disk off, I can't delete files by mistake. And, should some malicious software make its way onto the computer, it can't screw up files it doesn't see. Finally, hard disks run hot (I've seen up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit) and while there are, no doubt, air vents in every enclosure, it's only a matter of time until dust clogs them up. An external hard disk that runs for only a few minutes a day will never get dangerously hot, even if all the air vents are clogged.

But that's me. Read Leo's response and decide for yourself.

I'll contact some hard disk vendors and point them to this posting. If any of them respond with a recommendation I'll let you know.

Update: January 2, 208. I have heard back from Western Digital and Seagate about this. I hope to hear from some other vendors and gather their recommendations together in a couple days.

See a summary of all my Defensive Computing postings.

An imminent software upgrade should finally (and officially) make this TiVo port useful

(Credit: CNET Networks)

It looks as if TiVo is finally beginning to roll out some long-promised software upgrades to its high-def DVRs, the TiVo HD and TiVo Series3. Hot on the heels of last week's 9.1 software upgrade (which enabled support for Rhapsody's subscription music service), some users are already getting an upgrade to version 9.2. In addition to improving the Amazon Unbox viewing experience, the latest upgrade is said to add support for connecting external eSATA hard drives, thus expanding the number of recordable hours of TV--a feature promised when those DVRs were first released. TiVo's remaining mum on the subject for now--you'll find more info perusing user forums than on TiVo's site, which currently has just a placeholder page--but we're expecting to hear an official announcement in the very near future.

To date, the external storage option has been available only as an unsupported hack. I'm hoping the "official" version will work with any generic eSATA external drive, rather than requiring the purchase of some sort of TiVo-specific accessory. Large capacity drives are cheaper than ever--or you can save even more money by purchasing an enclosure, and dropping in an even cheaper internal hard drive instead. Alternately, you can always have the folks at Weaknees upgrade the TiVo's internal drive instead.

Once external storage is activated, the next confirmed upgrades are Multi-Room Viewing (transfer recorded shows to other TiVo DVRs in the home) and TiVo To Go (transfer recorded shows to networked PCs and portable media devices), scheduled for rollout to high-def TiVos in November. To date, both features have been limited to standard-def Series2 models only.

Expandable storage is also available on many competing high-def DVRs, including models from Dish Network and Scientific Atlanta.

Read: Zatznotfunny

(Credit: CNET Networks)

We've seen this compact portable hard drive listed at up to twice the price. Today Dell Home offers it for 88 bucks, shipping included, when you pay with PayPal. Easy setup, light weight, compact size and great speed make this a convenient solution for non-Mac users.

To quote CNET Reviews:

The bad: Sync software works with only Windows XP and 2000; phone support may eventually become expensive.

The bottom line: Western Digital's Passport Portable External Hard Drive lets you take a lot of data on the road for a low price.

What: Western Digital Passport 160GB external hard drive
How much: $83.39 if you pay with PayPal
Shipping: $5
Where: Dell Home (via Logic Buy)
When: Through unknown date
Click here for CNET's product review.

The DriveStation gets a boost from Turbo USB.

(Credit: Buffalo Technology)

Buffalo Technologies announced today enhanced versions of its MiniStation and DriveStation product lines that allow for faster data transfers over USB. The proprietary Turbo USB feature operates at the controller level to increase data throughput between 30 percent and 60 percent, according to Buffalo. Because the Turbo USB utility resides on the drive itself, you should be able to benefit from the speed increase while plugged into any PC.

The MiniStation comes in 80GB, 120GB, 160GB, and 250GB capacities. It has built-in shock-resistant technology, which can be crucial for portable drives that are likely to be dropped. The USB cable is permanently attached and wraps around the edges of the drive for storage--another thoughtful design touch on a portable drive. Prices for the MiniStation range from $100 to $220 and will be available at the end of August.

The DriveStation comes in capacities of 320GB, 500GB, 750GB, and 1TB. It comes loaded with SecureLockWare software, which password-protects the drive. Drives start at $130 and go up to $500 for the 1TB drive. These will be available at the beginning of September.