I have my new 250 GB external drive all set up, formatted, and know how to use it. I am basically using it as a storage device for large video and game files, and backup copies of important documents and such. So my question is, should I leave the drive powered up and plugged into the USB port on my system, or should I just power it up and plug it in the USB connection when I need something off of it? I assume it is a good idea to power off the computer when installing the device, which I have done. I probably will be using something off of the drive at least a few days a week. As always, thank you for any input, help, or advice. -Marc- Peoria, Az. :dunce:

Hello, and Welcome to techhelpforum.

Personally speaking, I would just leave it connected. You can set up your power options to spin it down or shut it off after X amount of inactivity. You'll save "wear and tear" on your USB connectors, etc, plus it'll be "available" whenever you want to transfer data to it. I shut my systems down while not in use. Again, these are personal preferences.