Ubuntu
ubiquity package

Is Ubuntu compatible with a WD Passport external hard drive?

Asked by ExpatNerd

I'm trying to back up my Windows 7 system and user files in order to remove Windows 7 and install Ubuntu on my HP dv7-3060us laptop. (I've never tried to back up my own OS files on my own before. ) I use a WD My Passport external hard drive and Memorex DVD-RW 4.7GB (4X) CDs to back up my files.

Which would be more effective in backing up my Windows 7 files: an external HD or a 4.7GB DVD?

If I use my WD Passport external hard drive to back up my files, will it be compatible with Ubuntu?

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enubuntu (mr.tennents) said : 		#1

Yes, it is compatible.

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mycae (mycae) said : 		#2

Yes, I use one. It is fine. As for what is more "effective", it depends upon what you are backing up, and how long you expect that backup to last for.

Cheap DVDs have a shelf life on the order of years (say 3+) [https://secure.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/wiki/DVD#Use_as_backup_medium], and more expensive ones last longer.

With HDDs, the drive itself can fail, with (under heavy use) about a 2% chance of failure in the first year, raising to about 8% per year thereafter (about 50% of drives fail within 8 years). [http://research.google.com/en/us/archive/disk_failures.pdf]. Hard drives can also have the magnetic storage corrupted. A read-back and re-write can extend this. (no citation)

Using two smaller disks, regardless of media, instead of one, with each disk containing a duplicate of the other is probably the most safe backup solution. Its also better to store them physically apart, say in case someone spills something, backs into it with a bit of furniture, or some other inventive disaster scenario occurs.

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WILLIAM PAUL (williampaullog) said : 		#3

provide a [url=https://vigocart.com/best-wireless-hard-drive-for-mac/]wireless external hard drive[/url] in brand new conditions. You can use it for your mac, laptop, computer, mobile, tab, smart tv, and other wireless devices like gaming consoles etc

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