I'm not sure if I should spend money on a 2nd HD.
On the one hand, even though my current HD is only 30 GB, I don't store much, and consequently seldom have more than 12 to 14 GB on it at any time. I'm not big into any memory consuming apps or data like games, DVDs, MP3s, etc.. I do have a lot of .pdf files, but since I only refer to them on occasion I back them up to CD and then erase them from my HD. With a 2nd HD I wouldn't back docs up to CD as often.
On the other hand, I would have the security of a 2nd bootable HD in case my primary HD won't boot for any reason. I've already experienced the joy of having a HD crash once; that being among all the other reasons a HD won't boot.
What other pros and cons are there to adding a 2nd HD? I've found a 40 GB WD HD for $55 w/ shipping, so cost isn't a serious issue.
P.S. - I might as well ask this now because the answer isn't obvious t me as a beginner. My Shuttle AN-35N Ultra mobo has two IDE connectors, but the manual says that this provides support for up to four IDE devices. My primary HD is plugged into one and my CDRW into the other connector now. How would a 2nd HD be connected?
My Rig
On the one hand, even though my current HD is only 30 GB, I don't store much, and consequently seldom have more than 12 to 14 GB on it at any time. I'm not big into any memory consuming apps or data like games, DVDs, MP3s, etc.. I do have a lot of .pdf files, but since I only refer to them on occasion I back them up to CD and then erase them from my HD. With a 2nd HD I wouldn't back docs up to CD as often.
On the other hand, I would have the security of a 2nd bootable HD in case my primary HD won't boot for any reason. I've already experienced the joy of having a HD crash once; that being among all the other reasons a HD won't boot.
What other pros and cons are there to adding a 2nd HD? I've found a 40 GB WD HD for $55 w/ shipping, so cost isn't a serious issue.
P.S. - I might as well ask this now because the answer isn't obvious t me as a beginner. My Shuttle AN-35N Ultra mobo has two IDE connectors, but the manual says that this provides support for up to four IDE devices. My primary HD is plugged into one and my CDRW into the other connector now. How would a 2nd HD be connected?
My Rig