Hard Drives

Section 3.3.7

Definition of a Hard Drive

Main location where all data is stored.

How a Hard Drive Works

Like an old-fashioned record playerData is recorded and retrieved by a

magnetic head mounted on a movable arm.

Four Main Components of the Hard Drive

Head ActuatorHead ArmDisk PlatterChassis

Head Actuator

Mechanically connects the arms into a single assemble, that is positioned over the disk, controls the head arm.

Head Actuator

Head Arm

Holds the read/write heads.

Can move from hub to edge and back up to 50 times per second.

Head Arm

Disk Platter

Round flat disksStore data in the form of magnetic

patterns.Rotate at very high speeds

Disk Platters

Chassis

Encases and holds all the hard drive components

Chassis

Components of a Hard Drive

Web Sites

Computerhope.com/help/hdd.htmhowstuffworks.com/hard-disk1.htmpcguide.com/ref/hdd/ap/index.htmtekmom.com/buzzwords/

zdhdisk.htmlplatinum.matthey.com/applications/

harddisk.shtml