external hardisk, ntfs?

[legolas]

hi,

i hav 160 GB external I-O Data hardisk. by default it has a FAT partition, i am not sure if its FAT32 even, coz it shows as FAT when i right click -> properties or using any scandisk system... can i change to NTFS as its more secure??? are external hardisks compatible with those formats? and how long can i run an external hardisk? coz i use my system 24*7, i wanted to maek sure.. .and are there any possibilites of loading OS on to external? i dont hav idea of doin it, but out of curiosity i am asking, coz after the windows OS gets loaded only, my extermal gets detected....
thk u.

/legolas

[choudang]

ya, you can use NTFS for security.
i have not too much idea about the loading the OS onto the external, you can try with Boot from USB device. but question is, does your HDD detecetd at the POST menu? if no.... you can't