External Hard Drive Partition ?

NewMacUser5 · Oct 15, 2010

I have a 160GB external hard drive and I'm looking to partition it. Should I split it 80GB/80GB for Mac OSX and Windows? Should I have more space for Mac OSX? Any suggestions?

True Bassist · Oct 15, 2010

It depends on what you want to use it for. If you're looking to use Time Machine to back-up files on your Mac, then you'll need one of the partitions to be Mac OS Extended.

If you're just using it to move files around and you'll encounter Windows computers, try installing MacFuse and then NTFS-3G which will allow your Mac to write to NTFS drives. This means you can have the whole drive without any partitions and have more space available to do stuff with.

RadioSaigon · Oct 15, 2010

NewMacUser5 said:
I have a 160GB external hard drive...

hmmmm... key-word there I think.

I don't think you'll want to be installing OS-X or Windows on that external at all! Would you not be wanting to install both on your internal drive for dual-boot purposes?

NewMacUser5 · Oct 15, 2010

True Bassist said:
It depends on what you want to use it for. If you're looking to use Time Machine to back-up files on your Mac, then you'll need one of the partitions to be Mac OS Extended.

If you're just using it to move files around and you'll encounter Windows computers, try installing MacFuse and then NTFS-3G which will allow your Mac to write to NTFS drives. This means you can have the whole drive without any partitions and have more space available to do stuff with.

Stupid question - Does MacFuse and the other program get installed on my computer or the external?

Also, can I use it for Time Machine as well install MacFuse & NTFS-3G without partitioning the drive at all?

True Bassist · Oct 15, 2010

You should install MacFuse and NTFS-3g on you system HDD (so most likely the one in you Mac.

You can only use Time Machine on a drive which is formatted using Mac OS Extended and I recommend using the Journaling option. You cannot use Time Machine on an NTFS drive.

True Bassist · Oct 15, 2010

RadioSaigon said:
hmmmm... key-word there I think.

I don't think you'll want to be installing OS-X or Windows on that external at all! Would you not be wanting to install both on your internal drive for dual-boot purposes?

He's not talking about installing OS's on an external drive.

RadioSaigon · Oct 15, 2010

True Bassist said:
He's not talking about installing OS's on an external drive.

Read the OP again. He is, hence my response.

True Bassist · Oct 15, 2010

His response suggests otherwise but now I've re-read his first post, it does...OP - You are installing two OS's right?

6string · Oct 15, 2010

The OP as I'm interpreting it looks like NewMacUser5 has Windows installed on his Mac via bootcamp, and is intending on using the external for backups.
The Question being should he partition the external 50/50 for OS X and Windows backups.