Is it advisable to download wallet in external hard drive?

[buenaobra]

I am not so much on the techie side so pardon the noob question.  I am planning to purchase an external hard drive so I can just install there my wallets and for mobility.  Is this advisable?  If not, please give alternatives for someone like me who's always on the go.  Thank you in advance!

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[ranochigo]

I wouldn't. The main problem isn't with the compatibility, etc. In fact, most of the wallets do actually offer a portable version. The main issue is with the security.

If you're going to bring the portable wallet around, you could very well be losing it if you forget to bring it along after using it on the computer. Public computers aren't exactly safe at all, using your wallet on it could very well have it being compromised. If you need portability, consider getting a mobile wallet on your phone; doesn't address the first point but it addresses the second.

A portable hard drive is relatively heavy and unreliable at times. It's not rational to be bringing around a bulky metallic case when your main function is to have a portable wallet. Hard drive (not SSDs) are very prone to failure if you drop them.

[Heartstrings]

I wouldn't. The main problem isn't with the compatibility, etc. In fact, most of the wallets do actually offer a portable version. The main issue is with the security.

If you're going to bring the portable wallet around, you could very well be losing it if you forget to bring it along after using it on the computer. Public computers aren't exactly safe at all, using your wallet on it could very well have it being compromised. If you need portability, consider getting a mobile wallet on your phone; doesn't address the first point but it addresses the second.

A portable hard drive is relatively heavy and unreliable at times. It's not rational to be bringing around a bulky metallic case when your main function is to have a portable wallet. Hard drive (not SSDs) are very prone to failure if you drop them.

I appreciate the insight about the topic. What about hardware wallets? Since they are made specifically to store crypto coins, are they still not adviseable to some extent?

[ranochigo]

I appreciate the insight about the topic. What about hardware wallets? Since they are made specifically to store crypto coins, are they still not adviseable to some extent?

Personally, I feel that they aren't suitable to be used on public computers either. They are definitely a lot better than bringing around your wallet file to use it on public computers though.

Hardware wallets are certainly designed to prevent any malware attacks against the wallet itself and the private key is never exposed. However, for certain hardware wallets, your setup has to be done on a secure computer. As long as you don't key in anything sensitive on a public computer, you would be safe. Your privacy would still be compromised however.

[Kprawn]

Generally speaking, you can rely on your hard drive for three to five years on average. The online backup company BackBlaze

analysed the failure rates of their 25,000 running hard drives. They found that 90% of hard drives survive for three years, and

80% for four years. Those hard drives were running 24/7, so I presume a external hard drive will last much longer, if used

less.    The standard hard drive warranty runs about 3 years. 

[micloop]

Hardware wallets is a good pick, but a expensive one. If you're worried about security, learn something about paper wallets and you'll be fine. Do some for each coin  that is possible and chill. One more hint is don't store everything at same vault, split your coins into some wallets, so if some one crack it, you'll lose only some coins and not all of it.

[Anti-Cen]

Jaxx is a good wallet but it has a security flaw so I installed on it own MicroSD
and run it from a android  phone.

Exodus on windows exports private keys to a CSV file and puts it on the desk top
with some stupid name like "Private-Keys come get them" which seems stupid
to me since Microsoft Windows is scanning file contents all the time.

They should put it on the clip-board or let you cut-en-paste it so you can split the
private keys into two half's before pasting

The Nano S seems well over prices too me and the price keeps going up

[buenaobra]

I appreciate the insight about the topic. What about hardware wallets? Since they are made specifically to store crypto coins, are they still not adviseable to some extent?

Personally, I feel that they aren't suitable to be used on public computers either. They are definitely a lot better than bringing around your wallet file to use it on public computers though.

Hardware wallets are certainly designed to prevent any malware attacks against the wallet itself and the private key is never exposed. However, for certain hardware wallets, your setup has to be done on a secure computer. As long as you don't key in anything sensitive on a public computer, you would be safe. Your privacy would still be compromised however.

So is it safe to say that if I have my own computer/laptop to use, then a hardware wallet will be perfect for me?  Please cite the ups and downs for such scenario.  Thanks again!

[buenaobra]

Jaxx is a good wallet but it has a security flaw so I installed on it own MicroSD
and run it from a android  phone.

Exodus on windows exports private keys to a CSV file and puts it on the desk top
with some stupid name like "Private-Keys come get them" which seems stupid
to me since Microsoft Windows is scanning file contents all the time.

They should put it on the clip-board or let you cut-en-paste it so you can split the
private keys into two half's before pasting

The Nano S seems well over prices too me and the price keeps going up

What's your personal recommendation for the wallet? I am leaning towards Nano S but I want to see more options and not rush into it.

[armandoz]

yes , why not... all everything is passible as long as you can protect your account and not to lost either...but must be a back-up also not just in hard drive only. in case of lost or damage your hard drive you still have a copy by your owned and make it safe in case of stolen or lost they cannot thief your account and stil safe no matter what happen there is a choice because it is yours not for the other.

[shulio]

I appreciate the insight about the topic. What about hardware wallets? Since they are made specifically to store crypto coins, are they still not adviseable to some extent?

Personally, I feel that they aren't suitable to be used on public computers either. They are definitely a lot better than bringing around your wallet file to use it on public computers though.

Hardware wallets are certainly designed to prevent any malware attacks against the wallet itself and the private key is never exposed. However, for certain hardware wallets, your setup has to be done on a secure computer. As long as you don't key in anything sensitive on a public computer, you would be safe. Your privacy would still be compromised however.

So is it safe to say that if I have my own computer/laptop to use, then a hardware wallet will be perfect for me?  Please cite the ups and downs for such scenario.  Thanks again!

The prefect screnerio will be this, setup you hardware wallet on your not compromised laptop. Then you are free to use the hardware wallet on any computer, even the ones that have virus in.

[Oceat]

Hardware wallets is a good pick, but a expensive one. If you're worried about security, learn something about paper wallets and you'll be fine. Do some for each coin  that is possible and chill. One more hint is don't store everything at same vault, split your coins into some wallets, so if some one crack it, you'll lose only some coins and not all of it.

Is it too tiring to just put your coins on a different wallet, it will somehow create a confusion to the user although it looks like a good advise but buying a lot of hardware wallet will cost you more i guess rather putting it on a single wallet. But for me i would rather prefer the paper wallet instead of hardware a wallet, i just think it is comfortable and safe.

[johniadeluca]

Make sure you have backups on backups in different locations. Also make sure if you have anything 2FA that there's more than one number to get access

[omgredhattee]

If you are thinking of downloading your wallet to a cold wallet aka hardware wallet. I suggestion you reformat your drive and create at least two copies. For example a USB with nothing on it and of good quality. Keep in a safe place and check it often to see if it up to par. Never use a desktop wallet.

[yojodojo21]

I am not so much on the techie side so pardon the noob question.  I am planning to purchase an external hard drive so I can just install there my wallets and for mobility.  Is this advisable?  If not, please give alternatives for someone like me who's always on the go.  Thank you in advance!

In my own perspective it is not advisable to install wallets from your hard drive just in case it can be  corrupted with virus because if you will accidentally connect it to a device infected with virus such as Trojans then your dead. If you are just putting a little amount of coins then better to choose legit web wallets, but, if it will be a huge amount then desktop wallets I prefer.

[onnz423]

I don't see any problem with storing your wallet files on an external hard drive, assuming you take the proper precautions when securing the drive itself. E.g. You can encrypt the files within a password protected archive, or simply use a password protected drive such as the following.

https://www.amazon.com/lepin-Military-AES-CBC-Encrypted-Advanced/dp/B06X6NP89Y/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1516345200&sr=8-11&keywords=password+thumb+drive

Of course, you could simply use a trezor or ledger hardware wallet.

[BTCerm]

Hardware wallet would probably work but there are better ways to keep offline wallets as well. Such as a paper wallet. you can generate and print one from http://bitaddress.org/ for example. If you insist on electronic storage, I'd recommend a usb-stick over a hard drive. Also, don't use the bitcoin.org software for that wallet, it's a pain in the ass to use that way. Multibit, for example, would work better.

[jafu]

I am not so much on the techie side so pardon the noob question.  I am planning to purchase an external hard drive so I can just install there my wallets and for mobility.  Is this advisable?  If not, please give alternatives for someone like me who's always on the go.  Thank you in advance!

While that would most likely work, There are better approaches to keep disconnected wallets also.

for ex:

In the event that you demand electronic capacity, I'd prescribe a usb-stick over a hard drive. Likewise, don't utilize the bitcoin.org programming for that wallet, it's a genuine annoyance to utilize that way. Multibit,for case, would work better.

[Thanasis]

I am not so much on the techie side so pardon the noob question.  I am planning to purchase an external hard drive so I can just install there my wallets and for mobility.  Is this advisable?  If not, please give alternatives for someone like me who's always on the go.  Thank you in advance!

If you are installing bitcoin wallets on external hard drive for the sake of mobility they why dont you try it with hardware wallets.It is smaller than portable hardrives so it can fit into a pocket even.So buy a Ledger Nano S,I think it will cost around $60-$70 but it is cheaper than portable hard drive and you can store multiple coins in hardware wallet and it provides ultimate security than any other kind of wallets.

[LoyceV]

please give alternatives for someone like me who's always on the go.

Bring your own laptop, or buy a small lightweight laptop for your travels. Netbooks weigh 1 kg and don't cost much.
Don't carry around all your crypto holdings, bring only what you need for your trip, and leave the rest in secure storage elsewhere.

Generally speaking, you can rely on your hard drive for three to five years on average.

Obviously, you'll need to make backups. You should be able to lose your portable device at any moment without losing any coins.

If you're worried about security, learn something about paper wallets and you'll be fine.

I have a BIP38 encrypted paper wallet in my wallet, it used to be worth enough for a tank of gas, by now it holds enough Bitcoins to buy an average laptop.
For wallets, I prefer to use my PC, but for mobility, I also have Mycelium installed on my phone. The paper wallet in my wallet is much more secure than my phone, and I'll only touch it if I ever need to use it.

I don't see any problem with storing your wallet files on an external hard drive, assuming you take the proper precautions when securing the drive itself.

You could bring a Linux LIVE DVD, or even make the external hard drive itself bootable. That way, you can quite safely use it at any computer, but I don't think many people would let you use their computer to startup your own OS.
But I wouldn't let anyone plug his USB-drive into my PC to start up his own wallets anyway.