external hard drives

I have a Seagate Freeagent and a Maxtor 3100 external hard drive. I just learned it is not good for these to run all the time. That I should hibernate them or turn them off when not in use. I backup to them when ever I am on my computers so I need them to turn on and off when I bootup and off. How can I or can I shut them off each time with out crawling all around removing them from the computers. Please advise.

Thank you,
Wadda

 

If its just functionability your after then go to the 'Safely Remove Hardware' then properties/driver/disable.

 

As Toke says, in doing that you stop the device, so its not functioning, and leave it connected.

 

And then also turn the power off by using the switch on the external drive. They have a power switch, right? You don't need to go "crawling all around" to do this, do you?

 

I cannot find any off switches. I need to crawl aroung everyday when I turn the computers on and off.

Wadda

 

If you stop the usb drive, by the 'safely remove hardware ' you do not need to unplug it, if it is difficult to get to - it will only start up again, if you restart your computer- Restart when you wish to add backup, and they will be available to use.
Personally, I believe more stopping and starting can wear a harddrive quicker than continuous running - same as a pc - startup, and restart seems to be one of the main times for crashes/freezes, when the arm moves from base to a position on the hard drive.

 

Thank you everyone for your information and suggestions. It was all a big help. Helped ease my mind.

Thank you,

Wadda