Definition: Hard disk (HD)


Medium for permanent storage of data. Magnetic platters, electronics, and mechanics make up a hard disk. The platters are fixed to a spindle. On each side of a platter there is a read/write head. Each platter is divided into tracks, which is also divided into sectors. A characteristic of hard disks is that the platters and the mechanics are in an airtight enclosure, and the read/write heads do not touch the platters as long as the platters are rotating. See fly height.




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Capacity

The amount of information, measured in bytes, that can be stored on a hard drive. Also known as storage capacity.

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