[MacDV] 200 gig hard drive vs. dividing hard imac drive

[Marisa D'Vari (Deg.Com Communications)]

Hello everyone!

Right now I have a 120 Lacie  firewire on my flat screen IMAC and am editing
with Final Cut Pro ... complete beginner in digital editing but edited video
for 7 years.  I've edited a few projects via the external hard drive, but a
FCP tech told me I should consider dividing my hard drive, allocating 10
gigs to the IMAC and 40 to a digital drive which can be "cleaned" after each
project by a factory reinstall (note:  I only use the IMAC for editing, have
other computers for other functions).  Projects can be stored on my Lacie.

Question:  I do believe that capturing directly to my IMAC could perhaps
solve some audio video dub issues, but for the pros out there, is it
necessary?
It means deleting all files and reinstalling everything, even the Internet
and FCP and IDVD, but if it means "trouble free" I will consider it.

Does anyone think that going direct from a deck or camera to the external
hard drive with capture is asking for trouble?  Thanks in advance.