. Hard drive is the main data storage device in the computer.
. Stores data in magnetic form so that, memory retains even there is no power.
. Operating System, Software files and other files are stored in Hard drive.
. Connected to motherboard for data connection and power to Hard drive is obtained from SMPS.
What it contains?
. Hard Drive stores large amount of data in the form of binary digits.
. Modern computers hard drive data storage can be from Gigabytes to Terabytes.
. When we open Hard drive, internally it contains few parts over which its functionality depends.
. Modern computers hard drive data storage can be from Gigabytes to Terabytes.
. When we open Hard drive, internally it contains few parts over which its functionality depends.
- Platters
- Spindle
- Read/Write Arm
- Actuator
How it works?
. Platters are most important parts made of Aluminium or glass which is coated with thin layer of metal which can be magnetized and demagnetized.
. Series of platters are stacked over Spindle with small amount of space between them.
. Center spindle allows platters to rotate at higher speeds like 5400 or 7200 rpm.
. Platters have tiny parts which are magnetized(1) and some are demagnetized(0).
. Read/Write head is tiny magnet part present at the Read/Write arm.
. Actuators move the Read/Write arm so that whenever it recognizes magnetic area, it is treated as 1.
. All the 0's and 1's are sent to processor through the cable for further operation.
Storing data:
. Data in hard drive is stored in very orderly pattern on each platter.
. Bits of data are stored in concentric circles called 'Tracks'.
. Each of track is divided into parts called sectors.
. A part of hard drive stores map of these sector to know which area is filled up and which is free.
. When computer wants to store new information, it looks up in the map to find free sector.
. It instructs the read-write head to move across the platter to exactly the right location and store the data there.