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A Short History of Hard Drives |
The platters are further divided into tracks which in turn are broken up into sectors. The materials used are not very hardy in nature and the co-ordinated functioning allows for the storage of data that makes our world go round.
Just when the hard disk has you beaming at how working on a computer is so much more efficient and effective, the unsung hero can decide to protest and let you down. However great a piece of mechanisation it is, when it breaks down it can result in loss of data and a great deal of stress.
It is a myth that enterprise drives are more reliable than consumer drives. Hard drives are temperamental and while they offer a great service they can pack up without the slightest hint or warning, leaving you stranded and tearing your hair. They are not bad though; the hard drive works hard and expects you to be prepared to put up with its moods. When prepared, one can be great buddies with the hard drive and derive maximum benefits from it.
Hard Drive Facts
Just as you cannot predict why or when a prima donna is going to throw a tantrum, in the same way it is hard to predict how your hard drive will behave. Over use of a hard drive does not automatically wear out a hard drive and in some cases can actually help it function better.
The operating temperature does not necessarily affect a hard drive’s performance as it has to reach 104 degrees before failure occurs.
A hard drive does not react well to aging and chances are it will not want to live past year three.
A hard drive is very sensitive and does not like to be handled badly; even a jolt can affect its lifespan. Since it is made of components that work closely at high speeds, a jolt can realign the whole framework.
44% of all data loss results from the malfunction of hard drives. This figure tells the story of the sensitive nature of a hard drive which makes it a kind of misnomer.
Why Hard Drives Fail
- One of the main reasons why hard drives fail is a head crash. This occurs when there is a sudden jolt or drop. The platters move at a speed of 150 times per second and when the read/write head touches a platter at this speed it results in a head crash
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- Sudden temperature variations may cause a logical error which results in data loss. Often when this happens one can hear a clicking noise from the hard drive - a sure sign that something is wrong.
- Circuit board failure which is at the bottom of the hard disk can result in electrical failure and subsequently data loss.
- Controller failure can also occur when one tries to boot and at this time a message of error appears.
The above failures happen due to various reasons. Some of them are - when the adapter is not firmly seated in the slot; incorrect data in CMOS setup due to failing CMOS battery; if IDE drives are not slaved properly; if the hard disk is not connected or setup properly; when the hard drive cable or mother board has gone bad.
Taking Care of a Hard Drive
The bottom line is that a hard board comes with a shelf life. Once this is understood, a user can keep in mind a few tips that will help the hard drive serve him as well as possible:
To prevent power fluctuations, it would be wise to invest in some form of Uninterrupted Power Supply. This will ensure a smooth and continuous supply of power helping the hard drive function undisturbed.
It is ideal to keep your system in a dry and cool room that is clean and dust free. This ensures that dust particles do not enter to obstruct the sensitive make up of the hard drive and there aren’t drastic fluctuations in temperature.
Since head crashes are the most common reasons for failure of a hard drive, it is advisable to keep a hard drive as stationary as possible and not move it in jolts and leave it in precarious positions where it can fall.
If after all this your hard drive fails, don’t panic and try DIY techniques, it’s best to call in a professional. “Be prepared” should be the motto of all computer users and backup should be adopted religiously!
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Author Info:
James Walsh
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