11.   Designed specifically for portable computers, this external drive connects via a standard PC-card slot.

12.   External drives are compatible with either PCs or Macs.

13.   FireWire has been the popular port for things like digital video cameras, external hard drives and other data-heavy devices.

14.   For those who get queasy at the thought of taking apart a computer and inserting an internal video card, this external drive is the perfect solution.

15.   I really dislike lugging external drives.

16.   If you can afford it, consider investing in an external hard drive or a tape drive to back up your system.

17.   If the PC starts normally, however, begin moving files to floppies, or borrow an external Zip drive or CD burner.

18.   In effect, Iomega has split apart a standard external hard drive, separating the expensive drive electronics from the spinning platters that actually store the data.

19.   Iomega faces additional competition from Syquest Technology Inc., which is about to introduce an external drive called the EZflier.

20.   It comes with an external floppy drive and a full set of ports on the back, which is a plus.