Computer Disks

Disks

You use disks to store any data that you create. This can range from a memo created within a word
processor to a video file created using a video camera. There are many different types of disk.

The Hard (Fixed) Disk

Hard disks are the main, large data storage areas within your computer. Hard disks are used to store your operating system, your application programs (i.e. your word processor, games etc) and your data. They are much faster than CD/DVDs and can also hold much more data. Hard disks are installed within the system unit of your computer.

External hard disk drives

External hard disk drives  typically connect via USB; variants using USB 2.0 interface generally have slower data transfer rates when compared to internally mounted hard drives connected through SATA. Plug and play drive functionality offers system compatibility and features large storage options and portable design. As of March 2015, available capacities for external hard disk drives range from 500 GB to 8 TB.

External hard disk drives are usually available as pre-assembled integrated products, but may be also assembled by combining an external enclosure (with USB or other interface) with a separately purchased drive. They are available in 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch sizes; 2.5-inch variants are typically called portable external drives, while 3.5-inch variants are referred to as desktop external drives. "Portable" drives are packaged in smaller and lighter enclosures than the "desktop" drives; additionally, "portable" drives use power provided by the USB connection, while "desktop" drives require external power bricks.