How Magnetic Storage Works
Computer Science: OCR A Level, topic 1.3.3
How Magnetic Storage Works
The most common type of magnetic storage is the Hard Disk Drive (HDD).
Storing a bit
- The value of each bit of data (0 or 1) is represented as a positively or negatively charged magnetic particle.
- These particles are part of a magnetic disk called the platter.
Accessing data
- Data could be stored anywhere on the disk, and so to read/write data we first need to find the location on the disk.
- A magnetic read/write head is used to access the data while the platter spins.
Reliability
- The HDD has moving parts.
- Although the HDD is generally reliable, any device with moving parts will be subject to wear-and-tear.
- HDDs can also be damaged by shocks. They are not robust.
Test yourself on How Magnetic Storage Works
Which of the following are true of Hard Disk Drives?
Why are Hard Disk Drives subject to wear-and-tear?