1. How fast are the S-ATAs comparing with the IDEs? Same RPM, same cache. Say 7,200 RPM and 8 MB cache.

2. When does the RPM and cache become crucial?

3a. Is there a way for a S-ATA to work in a IDE system? Some kind of cable or adaptor?

3b. How much would this cost?

4. Is there a way I can connect to my HD without installing it inside my computer? Meaning, I would have it as an 'external' drive, but with some kind of cable linking it.

Say I have a laptop, and laptop HDs are known to be expensive. So I would like to get a desktop HD and hook it up to my laptop.

5. How long do HDs last?

My CDs claims that it will last me 120 years! That is what it says right at the back of the CD. After having them for 3-5 years, the data comes corrupted. I have kept them in the proper conditions: sunlight, humidity, temperature, cased, etc.

This is why I am going to keep all my backups on another HD now.

6. Which HD brands are known for working with Linux and which are not?

Thank you in advance for answering the question(s). I am about to invest in a very huge HD.

3a. You can purchase an adapter but IMO if your computer does not support SATA then there is no advantage to buying such a drive.

3b. Google

4. Sure, but then you will have an exposed drive hanging from your computer that might get damaged.

5. Hard drives are mechanical devices and they can fail. You always have think when not if. I have had only two drives fail in the 15 years or so of playing with computers. This does not include the several I have dropped

The cheaper CDs are not as good as the name brand and the ones 5 years ago were not as good as the present.

6. SATA is still fairly new technology with linux. Any regular IDE drive will work.

Thanks.

Questions 1 and 2 still needs answer. Someone please help.

http://www.storagereview.com/ is the best resource I've found for hard drive information...