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Computer
Hard Drives: Size Does Matter
by my-tech-guide.com
The
hard drive disk of a computer is the primary storage device
of the computer. It is a non-removable device that retains
all the information when the computer is turned off. A fast
hard drive supplies the computer with data as fast as it
needs. Hard drives are measured in Gigabytes (GB)
and the larger the number, the more storage the computer
has. When looking at purchasing a new home computer
or laptop, it is important to understand how the hard drive
works with your computer and how much storage capacity you
will need.
When
saving information on your computer, the application is
recorded on a magnetic platter inside the hard drive. Most
hard drives have several platters that allow them to spin
up to 15,000 times per minute. The amount of hard drive
space the computer has will affect how much data that can
be saved. The data on a hard drive can be deleted or erased
from the memory at any time and does not need a constant
power supply to save the information.
It
used to be that hard drives were small and had a capacity
of no more than 5 MB, now most new computers and laptops
have no less than 40 GB. Some hard drive capacities can exceed
120 GB. Today, computers with these capabilities
can store a massive amount of information, videos
and photos without getting bogged down.
Choosing
a hard drive can be confusing if you are not familiar with
what to look for. Hard drives can have a very high
capacity and they can be very small. It is important
when looking at hard drive for your computer or laptop to
know what you need. Performance in a hard drive can vary
dramatically. There is nothing more frustrating than trying
to save information and learning your hard drive is full.
If you plan on using your hard drive to store a minimum amount
of information, you may not need to spend the extra money
on a bigger hard drive.
For
storing large files, videos, music and pictures, your computer
will need to be equipped with a larger amount of hard drive
space. You can purchase 160 GB and bigger of hard
drive space on most computers. The general rule of thumb
for purchasing hard drive space is to purchase the largest
amount of space you think you will need and that you can
afford.
Price
is another factor when choosing the right hard drive size. The
most common size of hard drive for the money ranges from
60 to 80 gigabytes. These hard drive sizes are readily
available on most operating systems. They are a good economical
choice for computer users needing the computer for everyday
storage and use.
Besides
the size of the hard drive and purchase price consider
access times and transfer rates when looking at hard drives. The
transfer rate is how much data can be transferred per second.
This can vary though, depending on the condition of the computer.
A computer that is nearly full may have a much slower transfer
rate.
Transfer
rates come in either internal or external. The
internal transfer rate is how fast the hard drive can read
the date. The external transfer rate is how fast the drive
can speed data to whatever it is connected to. Usually,
the transfer rate will be a little slower than listed,
so it is best to get a faster transfer rate. The external
rate is link to the type of hard drive that the computer
is using.
Be
aware that hard drive speed is affect by the computer’s
capabilities. If your computer is slow, a bigger
and faster hard drive will do you little good. Also, if
your computer is operating slowly, a bogged down hard drive
may be the problem. If your computer system is running
slow, deleting unnecessary files from the hard drive. Defrag
is another option used to optimize slow hard drive systems.
Fragmentation
of the hard drive occurs when the operating system
breaks a saved file into separate pieces and stores them
in other places. This usually happens when there is not
enough room to store all the date. Defrag takes those stored
file fragments and pieces them back together again. The
process can be time consuming, but is a good way to optimize
hard drive space and the speed of the computer.
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SolveYourProblem.com : 2007
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