Does Installing and Removing Windows Partition 'Weaken' HardDrive?

[PurpleCliff]

I'm considering installing Windows XP on my iMac temporarily (to play games) ... but after removing it will my iMac be any worse of than it was before I created the partition?

Thanks.

And a side question: Do I have to download all of the security updates and stuff for Windows XP after I install it? There are sooo many of them ...

 

[WorldTravel26]

I'm considering installing Windows XP on my iMac temporarily (to play games) ... but after removing it will my iMac be any worse of than it was before I created the partition?

Thanks.

And a side question: Do I have to download all of the security updates and stuff for Windows XP after I install it? There are sooo many of them ...

I don't know, do you feel as if your HD is "weakened" every time you empty something from your trash bin? Essentially if you remove a partition, you are just deleting that volume and all the files in it. I don't see why this would harm your iMac in any way. I had two partitions on my Macbook (although the 2nd was not a Windows Partition, it was just storage), and I deleted it about a month ago. Haven't had any problems so far, so I think you are o.k.

Regarding the security updates, it's up to you whether you install them or not. It's also up to you if you put on a seat belt while driving down the highway at 80mph. While you don't have to do either, it would be a very bad idea not to!

 

[Stridder44]

I'm considering installing Windows XP on my iMac temporarily (to play games) ... but after removing it will my iMac be any worse of than it was before I created the partition?

Thanks.

And a side question: Do I have to download all of the security updates and stuff for Windows XP after I install it? There are sooo many of them ...

It's just normal wear and tear. It won't shorten the life of your hard drive if that's what you mean. It's highly unlikely your drive will die before you end up replacing the computer itself due to old age.

 

[PurpleCliff]

Awesome thank you both!

I'll put on my seatbelt.

 

[Deecy]

When a program is deleted via the trash the program isn't "erased". The deletion only removes the first symbol ( a 1 or an 0) to let the HD know that it can overwrite the "deleted" program. Ain't that sweet?
As my sainted mother used to say, "What will they think of next?"