n00b needs help choosing an external hard drive

[dooskidoo]

Hey,

I have searched around the forums and was unable to find an answer to my question... forgive me if this is common knowledge, as I am still a padawan in the ways of the Ubuntu.

I installed a Windows 7 update about a month ago, and it promptly crashed my computer (system restore failed)... after doing some research I found out about ubuntu, and have been using it ever since to access my files.

Now, I am ready to try and backup my files and wipe my hard drive to regain access to Windows.

I need an external hard drive to do this obviously, but before i purchase one, I wanted to be sure that the drive would be compatible with Ubuntu (as in I would be able to drag&drop my files to the hard drive w/o my computer freaking out, wtc.)

Does anyone have any firsthand experience with this particular situation, or any suggestions for brands that would be suitable for me? I would like something portable with ~500GB of space.

I have a Vaio laptop, and some computer experience, but I definitely wouldn't call myself an expert. (Looking to back up about 150GB of data)

Thanks!!!!

P.S. This is the one I was looking at http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-Canvio-Portable-External-E05A032BAU2XK/dp/B004SHBUYG/ref=sr_1_7?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1310065309&sr=1-7

[OGpmpdog]

Hi,

I just bought this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148655

Just make sure you format to FAT, which can be done by right clicking, after plugging in HD, click format and choose FAT.
I think the default format is NTFS, and only Natty reads this cleanly...I also wanted to make sure to delete all that MS bloatware installed on HD :)

Drag and Drop Away!!

This HD is powered by USB port, how cool is that?!

Peace.

[foutes]

Hi,

I just bought this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148655

Just make sure you format to FAT, which can be done by right clicking, after plugging in HD, click format and choose FAT.
I think the default format is NTFS, and only Natty reads this cleanly...I also wanted to make sure to delete all that MS bloatware installed on HD :)

Drag and Drop Away!!

This HD is powered by USB port, how cool is that?!

Peace.

+1 For the FreeAgent.

Got mine at office supply chain store for $59

[dooskidoo]

Now, forgive my naiveté, but are you able to re-format to NTFS if you need to?

[Sotanaht]

Now, forgive my naiveté, but are you able to re-format to NTFS if you need to?
yes, you'll be able to reformat it to whatever you want