Hard Disk
RAID & NASSome personal computer manufacturers provide a hard disk configuration that connects multiple smaller disks into a single unit that acts like a single large hard disk. A group of two or more integrated
hard disks is called a RAID (redundant array of independent disks). RAID is an ideal storage solution for users who must have the data available when they attempt to access it. A network attached storage (NAS) device is a server connected to a network with the sole purpose of providing storage. Any user or device connected to the network can access files on the NAS device. These devices often use a RAID configuration. |
External & RemovableAn external hard disk is a separate freestanding hard disk that connects with a cable to a USB port or FireWire port on the system unit or communicates wirelessly. As with the internal hard disk, the entire hard disk is enclosed in an airtight, sealed case.
A removable hard disk is a hard disk that you insert and remove from a drive. A removable hard disk drive reads from and writes on the removable hard disk. |
Miniature Hard DiskBoth internal and external hard disks are available in miniature sizes. These tiny hard disks have form factors of 1.8 inch, 1 inch, and 0.85 inch. Devices such as portable media players, digital cameras, and smart phones often have internal miniature hard disks, which provide greater storage capacities than flash memory). External hard disks that are smaller in size and capacity, which also contain miniature hard disks, are sometimes called a pocket hard drive
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Hard Disk ControllerA disk controller consists of a special-purpose chip and electronic circuits that control the
transfer of data, instructions, and information from a disk to and from the system bus and other components in the computer. In their personal computer advertisements, vendors usually state the type of hard disk interface supported by the hard disk controller. Thus, you should understand the types of available hard disk interfaces. In addition to USB and FireWire, which can function as external hard disk interfaces, four other types of hard disk interfaces for use in personal computers are SATA, EIDE, SCSI, and SAS. |