Most efficient way to set up an external hard drive?

*"I am thinking I'm not using it the way it could be used. "*

There is no wrong way to use a hard drive.

*"So how do I use the external hard drive for more than the time machine application? "*

Use it like you normally would. Just because you're using it for a Time Machine backup doesn't mean you can't throw other files on there.

*"I do not know how to partition the external hard drive."*

Use Disk Utility

*"And is there any other uses for an external hard drive?"*

Again, use it for whatever you want. File storage/backup. Bootable clones, etc...

Outside of having more than one backup, lots of storage, maybe a 2nd drive.

Disk Utility's Help menu, just type in your question. Often, to find answers, I just put "Apple _____" phrase into the Google search bar and that brings up Apple docs, forum discussions, and more.

There is also a Mac 101 Help topics, or just search for "Disk Utility Partition".

One suggestion I like it to have three partitions - the first being a clone of your OSX system as a emergency backup - the second being dedicated storage for things like iPhoto, iTunes etc - the third and remaining portion of the disk being Time Machine (although TM works with other storage it keeps growing until it fills the disk so probably is best contained

LN

Concerning the partitions, is that the best way to do the setup? I want to use my external HD more efficiently as the thread creator was asking about. I'm a bit of a noob, so forgive my naivety. What I want to do is use my storage space the most efficiently for planning purposes. I have a G5 20" with a 300GB LaCie d2 Quadra connected. I currently have the d2 setup for one partition and Time Machine backup is the only thing on it (using about 126 GB - or half).

The machine will primarily be used as a media machine syncing appleTV and I want to start archiving movies. We also have thousands of pictures that if I ever lose, I'm a dead-man. I must backup my iPhoto.

If I do as LarryHN says with multiple partitions on the external HD and keep my photos on one of the partitions, 1. is Time Machine going to backup that partition or only the internal HD? and 2. is there a better recommendation for my setup?

Justin

Disregard, I think I found the answers in another thread. Thanks anyway.