Running programs off an Ext. HDD?

Hey all, I'm fed up with my tiny-ass 30GB laptop HDD that I've got now, but I want a drive that I can keep using after this computer's gone, so I think an external drive is the way to go.

But, if I get a new drive, and it's got enough capacity, I'd like to keep all my games and non-work related stuff on it, and keep all my work things on the HDD thats in my computer now.

SO, I understand that I need a drive that's fast enough to run programs off of.  Is around 7200 RPM OK? Will  I be limited by USB 2.0 or SATA (I don't even know what SATA is!) Next, I need one that's fairly reliable.  I don't know much in that area, though I hear Western Digital is good.

Finally, will I need to put an OS on this drive to run programs off of it, or can I just use it in tandem with my current HDD?

Thanks in advance.

-Anon

lol retard

Finally, will I need to put an OS on this drive to run programs off of it, or can I just use it in tandem with my current HDD?
Not really, no, but you will see that you cannot run the games installed on the external drive if it is not plugged in.

sagge

Really, the RPM means less in external drives, than the connection speed.

If you only have a USB 1 port, then you're gonna get lousy speeds, even if it's 50,000RPM. (Also, SATA/ATA makes no difference pretty much for the same reason)

But yes, other than the fact it connects through USB(or Firewire) it will work exactly like another hard drive. Install programs, files, etc. No need for another OS ... unless you plan on taking it with you as your portable computer -- plug it into a computer and make it your own -- although I think Windows wouldn't like it ... it likes keeping the same hardware day after day.

That's why when I upgrade my MOBO, I always reinstall.