What is a hard disk?
The hard disk is an internal storage device which holds programs and data used by your computer. It consists of magnetic platters with read/write heads that float above the platters to record and play back data. In many respects, it is similar to a phonograph turntable. It is susceptible to strong jarring, which could cause the heads to physically damage the disk. The disk is enclosed in an airtight casing to keep it dust-free. The minimum hard disk size that you should get on a new computer is 40 GB with 60 GB now standard.
extend: hard discs, hard drives, hard disk drives (HDD) A hard disk is a magnetic disk which, as opposed to the older style floppy disk, is rigid in nature and is generally fixed in a sealed unit, where it stores digital computer data on rapidly spinning platters. As they spin, data from the computer is written to these platters using read and write heads.
