Hard Disk Drive (HDD) is a data storage device used in computers for persistent storage of information. It is a non-volatile memory device, meaning that the stored information is retained even when the device is powered down. An HDD consists of one or more platters, made of a non-magnetic material such as aluminum or glass, coated with a magnetic material. The platters are mounted on a spindle, and are rotated to allow data to be written to and read from the platter surfaces. The drive also contains an arm, which positions heads over the platter surfaces to read and write data.
HDDs offer more storage capacity than traditional data storage devices such as CDs and DVDs, and typically come with larger storage sizes of up to several terabytes (TB). They are also typically much faster than other types of storage, allowing quicker access to large amounts of data.
HDDs are often used in laptop and desktop computers to store large amounts of data such as applications and file systems. They are also used in bigger server systems for data redundancy and disk mirroring.
HDDs are not as reliable as other types of data storage such as solid-state drives (SSDs) or flash drives. Mechanical issues such as head crashes and worn platters can cause data loss, and vibration can cause errors in accessing and writing files. Some HDDs are designed for specific applications, such as those used in demanding server environments.
HDDs can be used not just in computers but also in digital audio players, gaming consoles, and other digital devices. They can be used to store music, videos, and other data.
