External HardDrive Question

[MetalBrian]

Hello all,

So originally I was thinking of getting a MacPro. However, thinking more realistically, I have realized that I'm not going to be recording the Rolling Stones, and it's just going to be me in my bedroom using my POD X3, some VI's and maybe some microphones. I've decided that a higher end iMac will suit me just fine. I do have a question tho:

I'm going to be getting an iMac with either a 2.93 GHz or 3.06 GHz dual-core processor, 4GB of ram, and a 1TB Hard Drive. The virtual instruments alone is going to total about 500GB (maybe more?) of Hard Drive space. I was thinking of getting a 1TB or 2TB external hard drive as well. Not really to backup my files, but just to have additional storage space. My thought was to load all of my programs (Logic Pro 8, VI's etc.) on either the internal or external hard drive, and use the other to store files. Is this a good idea? Or is there something that Im over looking.

If I were to do this, would it be better to store the programs on the internal hard drive, and use the external for files? or should I do it the other way around?

Thanks!
-Brian