Apple Final Cut Pro 7 - Manual (Page 223)

Note: These calculations are also important when planning how to archive your projects
when they are finished, though many people choose to archive only the project file and
not back up their media files. (Because the original footage is stored on tape, you can
always recapture the footage if necessary.)
Choosing a Hard Disk
The disk that contains your computer’s operating system is called the startup disk or boot
disk. In addition to the operating system, the startup disk also stores your applications
(such as Final Cut Pro), your application preferences, system settings, and documents.
Because the files on the startup disk are your most critical data, maintaining the startup
disk is vital.
Because digital media (especially high data rate video) makes your disks work harder,
you should use dedicated disks for capturing and playing back your digital video and
other media files. Consider your media disks as storage units that work long, hard hours,
while your startup disk keeps your system properly organized. If a disk is going to
malfunction, it’s better if your critical data is separate from your replaceable media files.
Depending on what kind of computer you are using, you may be able to use internal and
external hard disks to store your media files. Each has benefits and drawbacks.
Internal Disks
• May be less expensive because they don’t have external cases or require their own
power supplies
• Are inside your computer, causing less noise
• Are limited by the expansion capabilities of your computer and the heat buildup they
cause
Warning: Heat buildup in your computer can result in dropped frames during capture
and playback and can ultimately cause the failure of one or more disk drives. Consult the
documentation that came with your computer for information about the maximum
number of internal drives that can be installed.
External Disks
• Let you easily switch between projects by switching disks connected to the computer
• Let you move a project quickly from one computer system to another in a different
location
• May be more expensive because of external cases and power supplies
• May be noisy
223 Chapter 13 Determining Your Hard Disk Storage Options