External Solid State Drives

External solid state drives are becoming increasingly affordable; they are both fast and reliable. However, just because a drive is solid state does not mean it is immune from degrading.  SSDs undergo a periodic process called wear-leveling / TRIM, which keeps them in good health.  Because external SSDs are not always attached to your computer, it is necessary to invoke wear-leveling manually.  This is done on a PC by right clicking the drive, properties, tools, optimize.  On a MAC, go to disk utilities and perform first-aid on the drive.  As long as wear-leveling is implemented on a regular basis, for example monthly, the drive should remain in good health for many years.