Disk Drive Definition

Disk drive is referring to a device within a computer which allows for reading, recording and modifying of data contained in a disk. Typically a disk drive is either an implemented component in a computer or an external device which is stored outside of a computer aimed to help manage the input and output of the disk’s operations.

The components and parts of the disk drive are typically including a platter which is the actual disk shaped like a flat round surface with a plastic or metal covering. Other include spindle or a motor which control the speed of rotation, read and write heads which converts magnetic fields on the disk, logic board which controls the movement of parts etc.

Core components of a disk drive

A disk drive is an assembly of several mounted parts, which cooperate with each other, that is, they perform the functions of data storing and retrieving in an efficient manner.

• Platter. It is a part of the hardware, some disks can have several of them, stacked on a central spindle to increase the overall storage capacity for the information.
• Read/write head. It is used to read the data existing and write new information through the modifying magnetic fields.
• Cache memory. It is a temporary and not permanent storage that works on a high speed, allowing frequent access to data to improve the performance.