External hard drive question.

Is it possible to have an external drive, with maintanance software, to use on different PCs? What would be some recommended software and drive? I have never owned one and it seams as though this would be the easiest solution to keeping my PCs rock solid.

 

Sure, an external harddrive is a great tool. I have one I carry around with tools, ect .. on it.
I was using a small case with a laptop drive, but it died recently so I went to a 100GB 5 1/4..
I carry Autopatcher (XP,2K,&2K3), unofficial Win98 service pack (Win98 usually needs drivers to recognize an external USB drive, so plan for that if using 98) , adaware, spybot, the latest updates. The NAV & McAfee updates. HiJack This, CW Shredder, various drivers from the many CDs laying around, some password tools, key finders... it keeps growing, everytime I run into something that may be useful later I put it on my drive.. be prepared!

There are many drives & cases.. so you can make your own or buy one readymade. For a case I'd suggest cooldrives.com. I know Maxtor's One touch is somewhat popular - but I'm not a fan of Maxtor drives.

 

I guess what I was looking for was an external drive that had it's own operating system. Apparently for software like Ad-aware to be fully effective, it has to be installed to be able to scan registries and such.

 

Ah.. I use the drive to carry around so I have tools when I need them.. ie someone not on high speed - I dont have to wait to download service packs, ect...

I F (big IF) your PC will boot USB you can put Part PE on the drive and boot it.