Magnetic disks are the standard storage unit used to store information on a computer. But in addition to the information, it is also a factor that affects PC performance. Find out what they are for, how they work and the characteristics of a magnetic disc.
What are magnetic discs?
The magnetic disk or hard disk is a data storage device and is the device used by computers. To store information, it uses a magnetic recording system.
It is considered a non-volatile device because the information is stored permanently even in the event of a power failure. It consists of one or more small hard drives that are inside a box.
What are magnetic disks used for?
Each of the platters on the disk is double-sided which is used for information storage. It is the hard drive it usually comes on computer operating system installed and it is the place where the files necessary for its operation are stored.
In addition to the fact that the disk works as a secondary memory of the PC, that is, it contains the data that the RAM memory needs to send and receive requests to the processor. If the computer is turned off, the files in RAM memory are deleted because it is volatile memory, but the data on the hard drive remains.
All computer user's files can be contained on the hard drive as it is a drive it occupies lots of storage space. It is what differentiates it from other storage devices such as optical discs.
How do magnetic disks work?
Seen from the outside, the hard drive is a metal case with various connectors and electrical components. But inside the box there are discs called plates that have double sides to store information.
The crowns are connected by a shaft which allows them to rotate at high speed and stick together. The internal discs can rotate at a speed of up to 9600 rpm.
Each of the cymbals has its own reading and writing controlled by an electromagnet. These heads are responsible for storing data on the disk. The heads do not touch the discs to save information thanks to the fact that they work with electromagnetism.
Dishes are often very fragile and they can be damaged by dust or moisture particles. It is for this reason that they are sealed in an airtight container, because even if the heads were to rust, the reading and writing process would suffer.
Another factor that could affect a drive's performance is overheating and magnetism. That is why the dish storage box is usually made of aluminum, as it is a non-magnetic metal and helps to maintain the temperature of the dishes.
To communicate with other computer components, the hard disk it has an electronic circuit. It also has connectors to place the data cable that connects to the motherboard and the cable that connects to the power source.
Characteristics of a hard drive
- It's possible storing large amounts of information in comparison or other storage drives. If a cost-value relationship is established, the hard drive is the device with the largest storage capacity at the best cost.
- It is not volatile, so when it is disconnected from the power supply, the data remains on the disk.
- It is the secondary memory of the computer. It is responsible for saving the data necessary for the operation of the computer and for communicating between the hardware components.
- Quick access to information, you can quickly search for information on the disc by accessing the drive and searching for the file by name.
- Store all programs on a computer. All the files needed to run the programs are located on the hard drive.
- There are versions with hard drives, which are the ones found inside the PC as well removable ones that can be disassembled and transported for use in another PC.
- It can be used as virtual memory, to help main memory run more processes.
