How do You Organize Your Hard Drives, Etc.?

[MOLLYW8]

Hi Everyone!
I'm wondering how you organize your files... I'm just getting into digital scrapbooking and the first thing I want to do is get organized - the right way - the first time! LOL :)
I have the following to work with:

Laptop "C" Drive = 100 GB

External Western Digital = 120 GB
(strictly music files right now, I'm thinking I should also use this drive for imported video and for saving photo slideshows)

External Western Digital = 160 GB
(new drive. I plan to use this for all my pictures and scrapbooking kits, etc. I also plan to save all completed digital scrapbooks on this drive. Does this seem like enough space??)

Old Not Trustworthy External = 160 GB
(plan to clean up my C drive and just put old files that aren't used on here - no pics. Then I'll back it up to Maxtor)

New Maxtor External = 320 GB (for back ups only)
I don't expect to have more than 320 GB to back up anytime soon. If/When I get to that point I'll upgrade this drive to a bigger one. This is strictly for back-ups which I plan to run nightly or at least every other night on all drives w/ new changes (this would be my C drive and two western digital drives)

Does that sound ok? I'm wondering what photos I should keep on my C drive (if any) or do you save all your "in-process" scrapping on your C drive until you get a book complete then move it to an external?

Any input is appreciated. I'm always super-ultra organized and anal about this kind of thing...not sure if any of you are like that but you're the ones I'm looking for LOL...

Thanks
Molly

[Christine]

Wow! I can't believe how many externals you have! :D I am sitting here with just 1, and it is my back up for everything. I actually keep all of my in use files on my internal hard drive, but it is big, so I haven't filled it up yet.

[MOLLYW8]

Well my laptop really has only a 30 GB hard drive right now. I just ordered a new internal 100 GB drive that will replace the 30 but I'm waiting for it to arrive, then my computer guy will install it for me. I had to get an external for my music (I have 20 GB loaded on it now and havent finished going through my CD's). Then I knew I'd want something just for scrapping. :) Then I got all nervous and decided I had better get one big drive for backing up LOL :) I think I'll keep all my in-use files on my C drive too. Maybe photos from the current year on C and all others on the external.

Anyone else do anything similar?

[LisasMom]

You should do a search of the forums because there are many threads that have discussed this in depth. There are many options and opinions out there!

[nvr.4.gtn]

wow I guess I"m the dumb one here, lol I have no idea anyhting about my hard drive, other then where to find my stuff. Thats what hubby does for me. I do want to get a seperate hard drive just for my kits and such, not sure when though.

[Troy]

Emma Computer
C = 30 GB - Windows XP OS and Programs
D = 250 GB - Photos, Documents, email, etc.
E = 250 GB - C and D drive backup

Server
C = 30 GB - Windows XP OS and Programs
D = 250 GB - Troy's Misc, Web/File Server
E = 250 GB - Troy, Emma, and Kids Computer Backup
F = 250 GB - Applications, Games, everything else Backup
G, H, I, J = 1.5 TB - Media Backup

Still running out of space

[thetexan]

Mollyw8,

I use c: for just system type files, drivers, etc. D: is exclusively for programs. E: is scratch disks exclusively. F: is any final personally created files. G: and higher is storage in various forms. Each drive has at least 30 gigs. I keep C: and e: very clean and it keeps my machine fast.

tex