硬盘驱动器（缩写为 HDD）通常称为硬盘驱动器，是计算机上的主要存储设备。(A hard disk drive (abbreviated as HDD) more commonly called the hard drive is the main storage device on a computer.)它存储操作系统、软件标题和其他重要文件。硬盘通常是最大的存储设备。它是一种辅助存储设备，这意味着数据可以永久存储。此外，它是非易失性的，因为一旦系统关闭，它所包含的数据就不会被删除。硬盘驱动器由高速旋转的磁性盘片组成。
替代条款(Alternate terms)
尽管这在技术上不是正确的术语，但人们也说C Drive指的是硬盘。在Windows中，硬盘的主分区默认分配了字母 C。有些系统还有一系列字母（C、D、E）……来代表硬盘的各个部分。硬盘驱动器还有其他几个名称 - HDD的缩写，硬盘，硬盘驱动器，固定磁盘，固定磁盘驱动器，固定驱动器。操作系统的根文件夹由主硬盘驱动。
硬盘驱动器的部件(Parts of a hard disk drive)
硬盘驱动器以 15000 RPM（每分钟转数）(RPM (Revolutions Per Minute))的平均速度旋转。由于它以高速旋转，因此需要将其牢牢固定在空间中以防止震动。支架和螺钉用于将磁盘牢固地固定到位。HDD由一组称为盘片的圆形磁盘组成。盘片的顶部和底部表面都有磁性涂层。在盘片上方，伸出一个带有读/写头的手臂。R/W 头从盘片中读取数据并将新数据写入其中。将盘片连接并固定在一起的杆称为主轴。在盘片上，数据以磁性方式存储，以便在系统关闭时保存信息。
R/W 磁头的移动方式和时间由ROM控制器板控制。R/W head由致动器臂固定到位。由于盘片的两面都涂有磁性，因此两个表面都可以用来存储数据。每一面都分为扇区。每个扇区进一步分为磁道。来自各种盘片的轨道形成一个圆柱体。数据的写入从最外面的磁道开始，并随着每个柱面的填充而向内移动。硬盘驱动器分为几个分区。每个分区分为卷。硬盘驱动器开头的主引导记录 (MBR)存储有关分区的所有详细信息。(Master Boot Record (MBR))
硬盘的物理描述(The physical description of a hard drive)
硬盘的大小与平装书相当。然而，它的重量要重得多。硬盘(Hard)驱动器的侧面带有预钻孔，有助于安装。它安装在 3.5 英寸驱动器托架中的计算机机箱上。使用适配器，也可以在 5.25 英寸驱动器托架中完成。具有所有连接的一端位于计算机的内侧。硬盘的后端有连接主板、电源的端口。硬盘上的跳线(Jumper)设置用于设置主板在有多个驱动器的情况下如何识别硬盘驱动器。
硬盘是如何工作的？(How does a hard drive work?)
硬盘驱动器可以永久存储数据。它具有非易失性内存，因此您可以在关闭系统后打开系统时访问HDD中的数据。(HDD)
计算机需要操作系统才能运行。HDD是可以安装操作系统的介质。安装程序也需要硬盘。您下载的所有文件都永久存储在硬盘中。
R/W 头负责处理必须从驱动器读取和写入驱动器的数据。它延伸到分为磁道和扇区的盘片上。由于盘片高速旋转，因此几乎可以立即访问数据。R/W 磁头和盘片由一个很细的间隙隔开。
硬盘的种类有哪些？(What are the types of hard drives?)
硬盘(Hard)驱动器有多种尺寸。有哪些类型的硬盘可用？它们彼此有何不同？
闪存驱动器包含硬盘驱动器。但是，它的硬盘驱动器与传统的硬盘驱动器有很大不同。这个不旋转。闪存驱动器具有内置固态驱动器 (SSD)(solid-state drive (SSD))。它使用USB连接到计算机。也存在称为SSHD的(SSHD)SSD和HDD的混合体。
外置硬盘驱动器是一种传统的硬盘驱动器，它放置在机箱中，以便可以在计算机机箱外安全使用。这种类型的硬盘可以使用USB/eSATA/FireWire连接到计算机。您可以通过创建一个外壳来容纳您的传统硬盘驱动器来制作您的外部硬盘驱动器。
硬盘的存储容量是多少？(What is the storage capacity of a hard drive?)
在投资PC/laptop时，硬盘驱动器的容量是一个需要考虑的重要因素。容量小的硬盘将无法处理大量数据。设备的用途和设备类型也很重要。如果您的大部分数据都备份在云端，那么容量较小的硬盘就足够了。如果您选择离线存储大部分数据，您可能需要更大容量的硬盘驱动器（大约 1-4 TB）。例如，假设您正在购买平板电脑。如果您主要用于存储大量视频，那么选择具有 54 GB 硬盘驱动器的硬盘将比容量为 8 GB 的硬盘更好。
您的系统可以在没有硬盘的情况下运行吗？(Will your system function without a hard drive?)
这取决于BIOS配置。设备检查引导序列中是否有任何其他可引导设备。如果你有一个可启动的闪存驱动器，它可以用于在没有硬盘驱动器的情况下启动。也可以通过具有预引导执行环境的网络进行引导，但仅限于某些计算机。(Booting)
硬盘任务(HDD Tasks)
您可以使用硬盘驱动器执行哪些常见任务？
1.更改驱动器(Changing the drive letter)号——如前所述，一系列字母用于表示驱动器的不同部分。C代表主硬盘，不能更改。但是，可以更改代表外部驱动器的字母。
2. 如果您反复收到有关磁盘空间不足的警告消息，您可以检查驱动器上剩余的空间量。即便如此，最好定期检查剩余空间以确保系统顺利运行。如果您的剩余空间很少，则需要通过卸载太大或长时间未使用的程序来释放驱动器上的空间。(free up space on your drive)您也可以将一些文件复制到另一台设备，然后从系统中删除，以便为新数据腾出空间。
3. 安装操作系统前必须对硬盘进行分区。当您第一次在新硬盘上安装操作系统时，它会被格式化。有磁盘分区工具(disk partitioning tools)可以帮助您。
4. 有时您的系统性能会因硬盘碎片而受到影响。在这种情况下，您将不得不对硬盘进行碎片整理。(perform defragmentation)碎片整理可以提高系统的速度和整体性能。有大量免费的碎片整理工具可用于此目的。
5. 如果您想出售硬件或重新安装新的操作系统，应注意安全地清除旧数据。数据销毁程序用于安全擦除驱动器上的所有数据。
6. 保护驱动器上的数据——出于安全原因，如果您想保护驱动器上的数据，将使用磁盘加密程序。只有通过密码才能访问数据。这将防止未经授权的来源访问数据。
硬盘问题(Issues with HDD)
随着越来越多的数据从磁盘读取/写入磁盘，设备可能开始出现过度使用的迹象。此类问题之一是HDD产生的噪音。运行硬盘驱动器测试将揭示硬盘驱动器的任何问题。Windows中有一个名为chkdsk的内置工具，用于识别和纠正硬盘驱动器错误。运行该工具的图形版本以检查错误和可能的更正。某些(Certain)免费工具会测量参数，例如查找硬盘驱动器问题的时间。在极端情况下，可能需要更换硬盘驱动器。
硬盘还是固态硬盘？(HDD or SSD?)
长期以来，硬盘驱动器一直是计算机上的主要存储设备。另一种选择已经在市场上崭露头角。它被称为固态驱动器(State Drive)( SSD )。今天，有可用的设备HDD或SSD。SSD具有访问速度快、延迟低的优点。但是，它每单位内存的价格相当高。因此，并非在所有情况下都优选。SSD更好的性能和可靠性可以归因于它没有移动部件。SSD(SSDs)消耗更少的功率并且不会产生噪音。因此，SSD与传统(SSDs)HDD(HDDs)相比具有许多优势.
What is a Hard Disk Drive (HDD)?
A hard disk drive (abbreviated as HDD) more commonly called the hard drive is the main storage device on a computer. It stores the OS, software titles, and other important files. A hard disk is usually the largest storage device. It is a secondary storage device which means that data can be stored permanently. Also, it is non-volatile as the data it contains is not erased once the system is turned off. A hard disk drive consists of magnetic platters that rotate at high speeds.
Alternate terms
Even though this is not technically the correct term, people also say C Drive refers to the hard disk. In Windows, the primary partition of the hard drive is by default assigned the letter C. Some systems also have a series of letters (C, D, E)… to represent various parts of the hard disk. A hard disk drive also goes by several other names – HDD the abbreviation, hard disk, hard drive, fixed disk, fixed disk drive, fixed drive. The root folder of the OS is held by the primary hard drive.
Parts of a hard disk drive
A hard disk drive rotates at an average speed of 15000 RPM (Revolutions Per Minute). As it spins at a high speed, it needs to be held firmly in space to prevent jarring. Braces and screws are used to keep the disk firmly in place. The HDD consists of a set of circular disks called platters. The platter has a magnetic coat on both – top and bottom surfaces. Over the platter, an arm with a read/write head extends. The R/W head reads data from the platter and writes new data into it. The rod that connects and holds the platters together is called the spindle. On the platter, the data is stored magnetically so that the information is saved when the system is shut down.
How and when the R/W heads should move is controlled by the ROM controller board. The R/W head is held in place by the actuator arm. Since both sides of the platter are coated magnetically, both surfaces can be used to store data. Each side is divided into sectors. Each sector is further divided into tracks. The tracks from various platters form a cylinder. The writing of data starts from the outermost track and moves inward as each cylinder is filled. The hard drive is divided into several partitions. Each partition is divided into volumes. The Master Boot Record (MBR) at the beginning of the hard drive stores all details about partition.
The physical description of a hard drive
The size of a hard drive is comparable to that of a paperback book. However, it weighs a lot more. Hard drives come with pre-drilled holes at the sides that aid in mounting. It is mounted to the computer case in the 3.5-inch drive bay. Using an adapter, it can also be done in the 5.25-inch drive bay. The end that has all the connections is placed on the inner side of the computer. The back end of the hard drive has ports to connect to the motherboard, power supply. Jumper settings on the hard drive are for setting how the motherboard will recognize the hard drive in case there are multiple drives.
How does a hard drive work?
A hard drive can store data permanently. It has non-volatile memory, so you can access the data in the HDD when you switch on your system after shutting it down.
A computer requires an OS to function. HDD is a medium where an operating system can be installed. Installation of programs also required a hard drive. All the files that you download are stored permanently in the hard drive.
The R/W head takes care of data that has to be read from and written into the drive. It extends over the platter which is divided into tracks and sectors. Since the platters rotate with high speed, data can be accessed almost immediately. The R/W head and the platter are separated by a thin gap.
What are the types of hard drives?
Hard drives come in a variety of sizes. What are the types of hard drives available? How do they differ from each other?
A flash drive contains a hard drive. However, its hard drive is much different from the traditional one. This one does not rotate. A flash drive has a built-in solid-state drive (SSD). It is connected to a computer using a USB. A hybrid of SSD and HDD called SSHD also exists.
An external hard drive is a traditional hard drive that is put in a case so that it can safely be used outside the computer case. This type of hard drive can be connected to the computer either using USB/eSATA/FireWire. You can make your external hard drive by creating an enclosure to house your traditional hard drive.
What is the storage capacity of a hard drive?
While investing in a PC/laptop, the capacity of the hard drive is a huge factor to consider. A hard drive with a small capacity will not be able to handle a large amount of data. The purpose of the device and the type of device are important as well. If most of your data is backed up in the cloud, a hard drive with a smaller capacity would suffice. If you choose to store the majority of your data offline, you may need a hard drive with a greater capacity (around 1-4 TB). For instance, consider you are buying a tablet. If you will be using mainly to store a lot of videos, going for the one with a 54 GB hard drive would be a batter option than the one with say, a capacity of 8 GB.
Will your system function without a hard drive?
This depends on the BIOS configuration. The device checks whether there is any other bootable device in the boot sequence. If you have a bootable flash drive, it can be used for booting without a hard drive. Booting over a network with a pre-boot execution environment is also possible, although only in some computers.
HDD Tasks
What are the common tasks that you can do with your hard disk drive?
1. Changing the drive letter – As mentioned before, a series of letters are used to represent different parts of the drive. C represents the main hard drive and it cannot be altered. The letters that represent external drives can, however, be changed.
2. If you are repeatedly getting warning messages about low disk space, you can check how much space is left on your drive. Even otherwise, it is a good practice to check regularly for space left to ensure the smooth functioning of the system. If you have very little space left, you need to free up space on your drive by uninstalling programs that are too large or have not been in use for a long time. You may also copy some files to another device and delete then from your system to make space for new data.
3. The hard drive has to be partitioned before the operating system can be installed. When you first install the OS on a new hard drive, it is formatted. There are disk partitioning tools to help you with the same.
4. Sometimes your system performance suffers due to fragmented hard drive. At such times you will have to perform defragmentation on your hard drive. Defragging can improve your system’s speed and overall performance. There are a ton of free defrag tools available for the purpose.
5. If you want to sell the hardware or reinstall a new operating system, care should be taken to get rid of the old data securely. A data destruction program is used to securely erase all the data on the drive.
6. Protection of data on the drive – For security reasons, if you want to protect the data on your drive, a disk encryption program will be of use. Access to data is possible only through a password. This will prevent access to data by unauthorized sources.
Issues with HDD
As more and more data get to read from/written to the disk, the device might start showing signs of overuse. One such issue is the noise that is produced from the HDD. Running a hard drive test will reveal any issues with the hard drive. There is a built-in tool in Windows called chkdsk to recognize and correct hard drive errors. Run a graphical version of the tool to check for errors and possible corrections. Certain free tools measure parameters such as seek time to identify issues with your hard drive. In extreme cases, replacement of the hard drive may be required.
HDD or SSD?
For a long time, the hard disk drive has served as the predominant storage device on computers. An alternative has been making its mark in the market. It is known as Solid State Drive (SSD). Today, there are devices available with either HDD or SSD. SSD has the advantages of faster access and low latency. However, its price per unit of memory is quite high. Thus, it is not preferred in all situations. The better performance and reliability of SSD can be attributed to the fact that it has no moving parts. SSDs consume lesser power and do not generate noise. Thus, SSDs have many advantages over traditional HDDs.
