Dual storage optimization in laptop

[patchley]

I just got new laptop that has a 128gb SSD and a 1tb HDD. This is my third computer and I am becoming more conscious of file organization and storage optimization. So the OS comes installed on the SSD along with the program files folders. I have already changed the location of domucents, pictures, downloads, etc to go on the HDD. My problem is that after storing the OS on SSD and downloading chrome, spotify, antivirus, and a couple other programs, my SSD only has 60gb left while i haven't used any of the 1tb HDD. I feel like i should put the program files on the HDD or else the SDD will fill up soon. I know that can be dangerous though. What should I do to optimize this dual storage in the long run?

 

[dark_lord69]

Install programs that you want to run fast to the SSD.
Spotify doesn't need to be fast because it's media (music) streaming so I'd install that to the HDD.
On the other hand I would keep your antivirus, chrome and only a few others installed on the SSD.

Personally I have a 256 GB (SSD) and I install all of my programs to that drive and my games on a 2nd drive (HDD) and my movies, pictures and music on a 3rd drive (HDD).

Also, most programs don't take up that much space that's why I haven't had issues but I could see that potentially being an issue since your drive is half the size. Or you could spend $60 and get a 256GB SSD.

 

[patchley]

Install programs that you want to run fast to the SSD.
Spotify doesn't need to be fast because it's media (music) streaming so I'd install that to the HDD.
On the other hand I would keep your antivirus, chrome and only a few others installed on the SSD.

Personally I have a 256 GB (SSD) and I install all of my programs to that drive and my games on a 2nd drive (HDD) and my movies, pictures and music on a 3rd drive (HDD).

Also, most programs don't take up that much space that's why I haven't had issues but I could see that potentially being an issue since your drive is half the size. Or you could spend $60 and get a 256GB SSD.

How do install software on the HDD when the program files folders are on the SSD? Whenever I install it it automatically goes on the SSD. Also, how can I found out which SSD I can use in my laptop if I wanted to upgrade?

 

[dark_lord69]

Install programs that you want to run fast to the SSD.
Spotify doesn't need to be fast because it's media (music) streaming so I'd install that to the HDD.
On the other hand I would keep your antivirus, chrome and only a few others installed on the SSD.

Personally I have a 256 GB (SSD) and I install all of my programs to that drive and my games on a 2nd drive (HDD) and my movies, pictures and music on a 3rd drive (HDD).

Also, most programs don't take up that much space that's why I haven't had issues but I could see that potentially being an issue since your drive is half the size. Or you could spend $60 and get a 256GB SSD.

How do install software on the HDD when the program files folders are on the SSD? Whenever I install it it automatically goes on the SSD. Also, how can I found out which SSD I can use in my laptop if I wanted to upgrade?

"How do install software on the HDD when the program files folders are on the SSD?"
During installation of pretty much ALL programs they ask where you would like it installed. Being in the "Program Files" folder is NOT a requirement.
"You may have to choose something like advanced installation instead of express."
"Also, how can I found out which SSD I can use in my laptop if I wanted to upgrade?"
SSD drives are generally 2.5" drives. Which is the standard size for laptop drives. They DO make 3.5" drives for desktop but they are fairly rare. Just make sure it's a SATA drive 2.5" in size.

 

[RolandJS]

Programs can be installed onto partitions other than the Windows C; however, almost always Windows programData and user's profile's AppData gets a lot of stuff in there. I recommend a 256GB minimum - 512GB SSD if affordable.
One major problem I see with "splitting up" the 3rd party programs: if/when a restore is called for of either the OS or data partition, both full images had better been made, earlier of course, one right after the other -- or the restore will require both partitions being restored. If there is a "miss-match" between the full images, problems probably will occur.