What is the Purpose of a Hard Drive?

A hard drive is a storage device that can stores many types of data, including pictures, movies, text files, documents and applications. Hard drives increase in size, going from gigabytes to terabytes. Hard drives are disk drives that are usually fixed into computers and laptops.

Function

A hard drive is a fixed disk drive that stores digital data onto magnetic surfaces. Most often, these are sealed units that cannot be opened without voiding the warranty.

Storage

The main purpose of a hard drive is for data storage. For a computer system to properly function, it needs a storage unit to store and install data.

Desktops

Desktop hard disk drives are marketed to hold between 120 gigabytes and about 500 gigabytes, though more is available. These units can spin between 5,000 to 10,000 or more revolutions per minute, which allows for faster data reading and writing.

Laptops

Laptop hard disk drives usually hold between 60 gigabytes and 320 gigabytes, though more is available. They spin slower, at around 5,000 to 7,000 rpm.

Connectors

Serial Advanced Technology Attachment is a faster form of ATA connectors. These can transfer data as high as 3.0 Gbits/s. Motherboards with SATA interfaces allow SATA cables to run from the HDD to the motherboard.

References

• Laptoping.com
• Findarticles.com