A lot of computers nowadays come with a separate internal HD you can install to that is much bigger. For example, my computer back home has a 200GB SSD for the C drive but has a 1TB D drive installed. I install everything there on my personal computer just so I know exactly where everything is going.

If you wanted the benefits of installing to an internal HD and happen to have a separate larger internal drive that's not a SSD, that's another option - you can always install the program in full to that drive and run it from there, and keep the external HD we send out as a backup (similar to what Chantelle said).

If you decide to go with a separate external HD, you can definitely install the full program there if you wish to. Just be sure that you are installing it to the correct locations. For example, the default is C:\bb, but if your external HD is E, make sure it is set to E:\bb and not E:\MyMusic\Band-in-a-Box\bb or something along those lines, as this will make installing future patch updates or content difficult.

The external HD that we send out is plenty sufficient to run the program from, and quite speedily! Most people won't notice the difference between running off an internal HD versus running from an external HD as the drives come with a 3.0 USB attachment, but some people like the comfort of having the installers on the external HD we send solely as a backup and not having it plugged in all the time, and in the case of the Audiophile, only if wanting to utilize the uncompressed files.

Ultimately, whatever decision you make we're always here to help! So if you run into any snags you're welcome to contact us and we are happy to walk you through the process or clarify any questions you might have.

Cheers,
Ember