Windows 7 - Installing windows external HD, Partitioning, File Truecrypt Questions

I just did massive research (at least 8 hours or so) reading reviews and considering features of the
Tohsiba Canvio Plus usb3
seagate drives
iomega drives

I have had great reliability with the 320gb toshiba I had in the past so after much consideration, I went with the Toshiba Canvio 3.0. I just got it. It looks incredible!!!

This post is about formatting, operating systems, and truecrypt. Someone well-experienced and versed in that area would be, therefore, most helpful.

Formatting.
I want to eventually be working mainly linux_ubuntu and the off-OS windows7, but currently have macOS in the mix. I think NTFS might work if I have those extensions for mac (macFuse) to read and write NTFS. I know ext4 (What is that?) is proper for linux, but that's not compatible with windows. Am thus considering FAT32 or NTFS. I have read pros/cons of each file format but anyone have any helpful thoughts on those?

Partitioning.
I'm thinking 600/400. But I have another external of 320, so I think I may do a 300 partition truecrypt that, and then or 350/350, 700.

This is more of a question about internal partitions, but it's IMPORTANT:
someone said that if I partition a drive it slows it down? I was considering partitioning an internal HD with a system files partition and then "everything else (software, my files, and the like)" would having those (the system files and teh everything_else) on separate partitions slow down the hard drive?

I need more information on if linux and/or windows 7 are capable of being installed ONTO an external hard drive.

Truecrypt.
I'd like to have the 600gb. Truecrypted but accessible by any OS. Would FAT32 (or NTFS plus macfuse with macos) work for that? Am really eager to read more about truecrypt. It's definitely my preferred encryption technology.


THE MAIN QUESTION.
External OS.
Would it be possible to install windows on an external partition of this drive and run programs from it?


I will likely be able to find these answers out myself, but this forum has been particularly insightful and helpful so it didn't seem
I've already turned off lights and will cut down on household electricity. I have no idea from how far back/when the 159.43 was from (probably pretty far back if they were planning to disconnect the electricity in 12 days. I don't think I'm using excessive electrical, but will use less.

Thanks.

-- John

As for Formatting I would use NTFS for Windows 7 and ext4 for Ubuntu NTFS and Ubuntu don't like each other that much

Partitoning a Drive does not slow down a Computer and as for the setup then that is up to you but on a Windows Installation you can only have 4 Partitions Maximum (Includes recovery Partition)

What do you mean by Installing on an External Partition of a Drive?

If I have missed any other questions then please ask and I will try my best to answer them

Josh

The most commonly used setups for a Windows 7 installation would be 1 partition containing OS, programs, and data; or 2 partitions with the first containing the OS and programs and the second containing data only.

If you choose a 2 partition Windows installation, most would advise you to devote at least 40 or 50 GB to Windows and programs--some would say 100 GB. It depends on how many programs you install. A bare Windows 7 install with no programs is under 20 GB, maybe even closer to 10 GB. There's little advantage to putting the OS and programs on separate partitions.

Go with NTFS rather than FAT 32.