Magnetic Hard Disk

Inventor

The invention of the magnetic hard disk wasn't solely attributed to one individual.Though
Louis Stevens was initially credited as the sole inventor on the patent, this was later
corrected to include Lynott and Goddard as well

Introduction: From Tapes to Disks

Before the advent of hard disks, data was primarily stored on magnetic tapes. While
functional, these tapes were cumbersome to use, requiring rewinding and searching through
long lengths of tape to access specific information. The need for a faster, more efficient
storage solution led to the development of the magnetic hard disk.

Def:
magnetic disk is a storage device that uses a magnetization process to write, rewrite and
access data. It is covered with a magnetic coating and stores data in the form of tracks,
spots and sectors. Hard disks, zip disks and floppy disks are common examples of magnetic
disks

Types of magnetic disk

-Two types
1.Floppy disk
2.Hard disk

Function of the hard disk

A hard drive is the hardware component that stores all of your digital content. Your
documents, pictures, music, videos, programs, application preferences, and operating
system represent digital content stored on a hard drive. Hard drives can be external or
internal.

Advantage

♦️Relatively cheap per unit of storage. Fast access and retrieval times compared to other
storage devices.

♦️Can hold a lot more data than a standard DVD, meaning it can store movies with better
picture and sound quality. Portable.

Disadvantages
♦️Can be easily damaged, will slow down and eventually break over time. Slower
access than Solid State Drives.
♦️More expensive than DVDs. Requires a Blu-ray player. Can lose data when scratched
Function of the magnetic hard disk

The magnetic hard disk is made up of several components:

Platters: These are thin, circular disks made of a non-magnetic material, such as glass or
aluminum, and coated with a magnetic material, such as iron oxide.

Spindle: This is a motor that rotates the platters at a high speed, typically between 5,400
and 15,000 revolutions per minute (RPM).

Read/write head: This is a small arm that moves across the surface of the platters. It reads
data from the platters and writes data to the platters.

Actuator arm: This arm moves the read/write head across the surface of the platters.

Fig;A hard disk drive

Diagram of CD layers

A.A polycarbonate disc layer has the data encoded by using bumps.

B. A shiny layer reflects the laser.

C. A layer of lacquer protects the shiny layer.

D. Artwork is screen printed on the top of the disc.

E. A laser beam reads the CD and is reflected back to a sensor, which converts it into
electronic data

The Evolution of Hard Disk Technology:**

The first hard disks, developed in the 1950s, were large, expensive, and had limited storage
capacity. However, technological advancements have resulted in significant improvements
over time. The following are some key milestones in the evolution of hard disk technology:

Increased storage capacity: The storage capacity of hard disks has grown exponentially over
time. Early hard disks could store only a few megabytes of data, while modern hard disks
can store terabytes of data.

Decreased size and weight: Hard disks have become smaller and lighter over time, making
them ideal for use in portable devices like laptops and smartphones.

Improved performance: The speed and reliability of hard disks have also improved
significantly. Modem hard disks can transfer data much faster and are less prone to errors
than their predecessors.

Because invention of the hard disk

The invention of the hard disk has had a profound impact on our lives. It has enabled us to:

Store and access large amounts of data: Hard disks have made it possible for us to store
and access massive amounts of information, from personal files and photos to movies and
music.

Develop new technologies: The availability of reliable and affordable data storage has
facilitated the development of new technologies, such as the internet, digital cameras, and
streaming services.

The Future of Magnetic Hard Disks:**

While SSDs (Solid State Drives) are rapidly gaining popularity due to their faster speed and
lower power consumption, magnetic hard disks are still widely used for their large storage.
capacity and affordability. However, the future of magnetic hard disks may lie in new
technologies, such as:

Heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR): This technology uses heat to allow for denser
data storage on the platters.

Microwave-assisted magnetic recording (MAMR): This technology uses microwaves to write

data to the platters, potentially enabling even higher storage densities.

Bit-patterned media (BPM): This technology uses patterned media to improve the accuracy
of data recording, allowing for further increases in storage capacity.

While the future of hard disk technology remains uncertain, one thing is clear: the magnetic
hard disk has earned its place as a pivotal technology that has shaped our digital world. Its
legacy as a reliable and affordable data storage solution will continue to influence the way
we store and access information for years to come.

Thanks You