Hard discs, also known as hard disk drives (HDD), are a type of non-volatile storage device that stores data on physical disks. They have been the primary means of storing and retrieving digital information for decades.
Unlike flash-based storage devices like solid-state drives (SSDs) or USB drives, HDDs use spinning disks to store data, which allows them to hold much larger amounts of data.
Hard discs operate by using magnetic fields to record data onto the physical disks. This process involves reading and writing data through a series of mechanical movements, including spinning, seeking, and tracking.
The read/write head is responsible for detecting changes in the magnetic field on the disk surface, allowing it to access and modify stored data.
Despite being surpassed in popularity by newer technologies, hard discs still have their advantages. They are generally more affordable than SSDs and can store massive amounts of data.
Additionally, HDDs are widely supported across various devices and operating systems, making them a reliable choice for many users.