Hello, I've been working alot on this dinosaur and I'm almost through
My next project is a hard drive upgrade. Here goes:
What does SATA stand for?
What does PATA stand for ~ I found this acronym on the specs list for a 160GB hard drive (model # HM160JC) on the internet that I want to get, but I'm not sure what I'm doing or if it will work in my laptop yet.
My current hard drive is 40GB and seems to be attached to the touch-pad unit via torx head screws. Are these intrinsically joined parts, or was the hard drive attached there for easy access? I won't know until I buy a torx head screwdriver and try to separate them, or some fine person replies.
In general, what will be the necessary software-based steps when it's time to install the new hard drive? By "software-based" I mean backing up my applications, saving pictures, etc..., and how will I do this?
Will I have to reinstall the OS and all its components on the new hard drive?
I know this is a lot, but even if you just answer one question that would be a great help. Please be pleasant in your response with no sarcasm, or just move on. Thank you.
Shinsle

What does SATA stand for?
What does PATA stand for ~ I found this acronym on the specs list for a 160GB hard drive (model # HM160JC) on the internet that I want to get, but I'm not sure what I'm doing or if it will work in my laptop yet.
My current hard drive is 40GB and seems to be attached to the touch-pad unit via torx head screws. Are these intrinsically joined parts, or was the hard drive attached there for easy access? I won't know until I buy a torx head screwdriver and try to separate them, or some fine person replies.
In general, what will be the necessary software-based steps when it's time to install the new hard drive? By "software-based" I mean backing up my applications, saving pictures, etc..., and how will I do this?
Will I have to reinstall the OS and all its components on the new hard drive?
I know this is a lot, but even if you just answer one question that would be a great help. Please be pleasant in your response with no sarcasm, or just move on. Thank you.
Shinsle