The prefix 'ecto' and the word 'ect' both refer to the term 'EXTERNAL'. The prefix 'ecto' is derived from the Greek word 'ektos', meaning 'OUTSIDE' or 'BEYOND'. The word 'ect' is an abbreviation of the Latin word 'externus', which also means 'OUTSIDE' or 'BEYOND'. Both terms are used to describe something that is located OUTSIDE of a given area or system. For example, an EXTERNAL hard drive is a device that is located OUTSIDE of a computer system. Similarly, an EXTERNAL speaker is a device that is located OUTSIDE of a sound system.