A simple Google Search of the term simply recognizes it as “a piece of hard plastic that is fixed inside a computer to store programs and data permanently. To be more precise, a hard disk drive can be defined as a data storage device that stores and retrieves digital data using magnetic storage. It features one or more rigid rapidly rotating platters coated with magnetic material for the purpose.
Types of Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
All hard disk drives can be broadly divided into two categories –
Internal Hard Disk
An internal hard disk drive is the primary storage device that is located inside a computer system which typically contains pre-installed software applications, operating system and other files deemed necessary by the manufacturer. Your internal hard disk is not just always connected to the system but is also usually cheaper and more efficient than an external hard disk. But, on the downside, since the internal hard drive contains all the vital applications of a system as well as the user’s personal files, if it is corrupted, all those personal files are most likely to become irretrievable.
External Hard Disk
An external hard disk/drive is a storage device that you externally plug into your system via a USB cable or Fire Wire connection. While it may be too expensive to buy a whole new laptop just because your computer has run out of space, you can always get in a new external hard disk. It allows you more storage space to store your data and is most suited for data that you don’t need to access as frequently. It is also popular because of its portability factor and can be easily connected with another system in time of need. But, as internal hard disks get to work directly with the motherboard, external hard disks are usually less efficient and comparatively slower than the internal ones. Also Read: TOP STORAGE DEVICES FOR YOUR NEEDS: SYNOLOGY DISK STATION VS CORSAIR VOYAGER VS OCZ VECTOR
