how to format my external drive

i bought today external lacie usb-c 1 tb mechanical drive backups (not time machine), because deal , needed external backup.

how should format drive? guid partition scheme? should use new afs of old hfs. using date high sierra os , own 2 mbp 2017.

also, long term storage, should upgrade mechanical (it's seagate 1tb inside) disk 2 tb ssd (when prices go bit lower)? type of media best long term storage, mechanical or ssd?

thanks,
c

 

use guid partition scheme , format hfs+. there no advantage using apfs on rotational drives right otherwise high sierra upgrade have converted spinning drives ssds.

current ssds might have more long term reliability, remember failures bell curve. there's chance either drive fail in month, 5 years, ten years, no 1 knows specific unit.

main benefit ssds speed, typical consumer doesn't need in backup device. 1 reasonable alternative replace traditional hard drive every few years new one. they're way cheaper ssds.

remember if it's worth backing up, it's worth backing twice. in sense, it's better have 2 external rotational hard drive backups 1 pricey ssd backup.

 

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