hard disk drive
An HDD in a nonremovable form of computer data
storage. Measured in bits (and subsequently bytes, kilobytes, etc.), it uses
magnetism and the binary system to store most of the things that makes your
computer work, and your personal files.
It consists of at least one platter, which is a
single disk that is rotated around a spindle and read by a head. The speed that
the platter can be accessed with is measured in RPM, though a higher RPM is
needed as the capacity of the HDD becomes greater.
After a set period of inactivity, the HDD spins
down, which means the platters stop rotating to save energy. The drawback is
the neccesity to spin back up when you use the HDD again, which takes a few
seconds. When the HDD spins down, the head, which is attached to an arm moves
from its reading position from over the platter to its resting position which
is not over the platter. This is much safer for your HDD, because when you move
your computer, or the HDD itself, the arm will not be shaken and damage part of
the platter.
Most of the HDD is stored within an air-tight
area. This is to prevent dust and any other small particles from entering the
main area and ruining the (very sensitive) platters. If the HDD is cracked
open, or forcibly opened, it is pretty much guaranteed that the HDD will not
work next time that it is used.
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