It is easy to fill up a hard disk but there are many ways to get more

Our list below expands your space in order of ease. Note: we are really talking about PCs and Laptops - not servers. Adding space to a server can be easier or harder depending on your circumstances. See the note at the end.

Option 1: clean up your hard disk

The best place to start if you have never done this so far. Try the following quick way(s (for Windows) to free up disk space:

- run "disk cleanup". (Just type it into the search bar on windows vista or 7

- Remove unwanted pictures and videos from the desktop or folders inside "My Documents"

- Remove downloaded applications that you have saved.

- Uninstall and unwanted applications

- Go to your browser and clear up the temporary or cached internet files.

This will make a HUGE difference if you have not done this so far

Option 2: get an additional hard disk

Easiest way is to get an external hard disk (also called a USB drive). These can store collossal amounts of info for very little money. The main downsides are that they need to be plugged in (obviously), can clutter up your desk and mean you have stuff split across the two drives.

For owners of PCs (not laptops) you should be able to fit an "internal" drive into your computer case. This is quite easy (check out youtube) but you do need to by the right type of hard disk so that it connects with the right cables. Older PCs will use IDE - newer PCs will use SATA.

Option 3: replace the hard disk and clone its contents

This is the techie way to do it. You can create a copy of your hard disk (onto an external hard drive), swap the new hard disk in and then copy the whole image back. This effectively replaces the old disk with a bigger one without any noticeable downsides.

This process isn't too difficult but given the risk it may be best done by an experience IT engineer. It can take a lot of time (hours) to clone a large hard disk though!

Server hard disks

A proper server will have internal capacity for 4 or more internal hard disks. It is usually a simple process to add the extra disks and then add them as a new drive letter (eg G:). Servers have more types of drive (mainly SAS and SATA) and cables so you need to be careful when buying replacement drives.

More sophisticated servers join hard disks together into arrays using a system called RAID. Don't touch these unless you are confident you understand what you are doing.

ITS have server engineers who can help upgrades these machines. Call 0844 358 2801 for assistance