Proper Places to Install Applications

Question

Hi everyone again,
It seems all I've been doing since I got the 2nd HD is asking questions.
But here is another one. I'm planning to purchase Final Cut Studio, sometime in the near future (I hope) and as we all know at installation, it takes quite a bit of a HD space. So, with this set up where should I install the program;
HD1 (where the application folder is and OSX is) 160GB about 90GB available.
HD2 (new HD where I am moving all of my docs) 500GB and will have about 400 available.
Now, logically, I should install FCS on HD1 as that's where the applications folder is and OSX is, BUT then I will have no space on it whatsoever, and I believe that I should have at least 15% of the free disk space available to allow for proper computer speed & operations. So, my other option is to install it on HD2, but can I do that? and How will performance of my machine be after that?
Please advice
Thanks

Answer 1

From what you state, you have not completed the process of moving docs to the 500GB drive. That being said, the easiest way to do what others have suggested - make the 500GB drive your boot drive - would be to put all your docs back onto the 160 and use a cloning utility to clone the 160 to the 500. I can recommend SuperDuper, it will clone (make an EXACT copy) of your boot drive (the 160) onto the target drive (the 500). You can then test the 500 to make sure your system will boot off of it, apps will run, etc. Once you have tested the 500 as cloned and are sure that it will boot correctly you can then erase the 160 and migrate your docs to it. The reason for moving your already transplanted docs from the 500 back to the 160 is that when SuperDuper clones a drive it erases the target drive first and then clones the data from the original to the target.
As far as how to add another 500GB drive to your system and then use the 160 as storage, I can recommend using an external Firewire enclosure that you can install the HD into. The only caveats I would make are, make sure the external firewire enclosure has a fan or fans to keep the HD cool, there are many brands available ranging from about $40-!00+ depending on what kind of case it is (single-bay/multi-bay etc.) Just make sure it has a fan. I CANNOT recommend external USB cases, from my experience they just have/cause problems. Check Other World Computing or the major Mac retailers or just Google external Firewire enclosure. Installation of a hard drive into an external case is easy - I have 3 external drives that I put together this way and have no issues once I figured out that you must have an enclosure with a fan.