Do you use an external hard drive to back up your computer data? An external hard drive is an easy and affordable way to backup your documents, pictures, music, and other computer data in case your hard drive crashes. A external hard drive is simply a hard disk, like the one in your computer, inside of a small case with a cable (usually USB) that allows it to attach to your computer. The larger ones are a 3.5 inch drives like the ones used in desktop computers, while the smaller ones are a 2.5 inch drives like the ones used in laptops. The larger ones give you the best capacity for the price. The smaller ones are more convenient to carry and, in a pinch, could be installed in your laptop computer if your internal hard drive crashes and a new one is not readily available. The One-Touch series from Maxtor is simple and affordable. You can set it to backup your files when you press a button, or automatically on a schedule (each night at 3am). Make sure you choose USB 2.0 for faster speed. If your only desire is to backup your computer, you only need an external hard drive with the capacity (GBs) of your computer’s internal hard drive. These may be purchased online (TigerDirect, Amazon, eBay) or in stores (BestBuy, Office Max, Staples, etc…). Prices range from $50 to $150 for common models, depending on capacity (GBs) and size (3.5 or 2.5). Currently a 3.5 inch 320GB is $80 and a 1TB (or 1,000GB) is $150. Watch for sales as prices are falling in and the capacities are increasing.