How do you set up an external hard drive?

how do you configure an external hard drive?

For TimeMachine? or for data, would be basically the same.
Open Disk Utility (located in the Utilities folder).
Connect the disk if it isn't already attached.
In the left side of the Disk Utility window, select the disk you want to use with Time Machine.
Optional: If you want to partition the disk, click the Partition tab and select a layout. Make sure "Mac OS Extended (Journaled)" is selected in the Format menu for the partition that will be used for backups. Click Apply.
Click the Erase tab.
Optional: If you want to securely erase the disk, click Security Options to configure, then click OK.
Click Erase.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1427 - TimeMachine Basics
The choice for an external drive, USB3 or not, the type of drive in the enclosure, probably the brand or make of the external drive (Western Digital, OWC, Seagate) is the most important choice and lot of options.

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