| Storage, more commonly, has been divided into | | | | deletion of a file and emptying of recycle |
| primary storage which holds data in memory | | | | bin by mistake. Another software error could |
| (RAM or random access memory) and other | | | | be due to virus attack on the system while |
| built-in devices such as processors L1 and L2 | | | | downloading data from internet or through |
| cache; the other is the secondary storage | | | | copying of corrupt CDs. |
| which holds data on hard disks, tapes and | | | | |
| other devices requiring input/ output | | | | The physical errors leading to hard disk data |
| operations. | | | | loss include first and foremost the hard disk |
| | | | crash. This is when the closely suspended |
| Primary storage is much faster to access than | | | | read/ write head becomes loose and crashes on |
| secondary storage because of the proximity of | | | | the rapidly spinning platter. This platter is |
| the storage to the processor or because of | | | | the recording surface on which the data is |
| the nature of the storage devices. On the | | | | stored. The head severely scratches the |
| other hand, secondary storage devices have | | | | platter leading to data loss and damage. |
| larger capacities to hold data than primary | | | | Other hardware errors could be caused by |
| storage devices. | | | | natural calamities, electrical surge, impact |
| | | | trauma and so on. |
| Storage often is used to mean devices and | | | | |
| data connected through input/ output | | | | Losing data from the hard disk can be a |
| operations, that is, hard disk and tape | | | | serious setback to the user. There is hope, |
| systems. So the term storage has become | | | | however, as the data can still be recovered. |
| synonymous with secondary storage in common | | | | Contrary to popular belief, deleted files, |
| parlance. | | | | though not available to the operating system |
| | | | of the computer, are still on the drive. Only |
| The options of secondary storage in terms of | | | | the names of the files are deleted from the |
| variety and pricing are much greater. The | | | | table of contents which results in operating |
| development in digital technology is | | | | system's failure in locating the files. This |
| associated with development of new and better | | | | makes the system mark the space occupied by |
| secondary storage devices such as hard disk, | | | | these files on the drive as vacant. Vacant |
| floppy disks, CDs and tape drives. | | | | space can always be used to store or write |
| | | | new data leading to deletion or overwriting |
| A hard disk holds the maximum amount of data | | | | of the files. |
| for a PC. It stores and provides a relatively | | | | |
| quick access to large amount of data on an | | | | To prevent this from happening when a disk |
| electromagnetically charged surface or a set | | | | crashes and some data is lost, the user |
| of surfaces. Present-day computers come with | | | | should immediately stop working on the |
| a hard disk that contains several billion | | | | computer immediately. He should not run a |
| byte of storage. | | | | programme, write mails or browse the net or |
| | | | even install DIY software. All these |
| Hard disk is really a set of stacked up disks | | | | activities carry the threat of creating new |
| just like phonograph records which have data | | | | files and overwriting the existing files. Any |
| recorded on them in concentric circles | | | | overwritten data will be lost forever. |
| (tracks) electromagnetically. A fixed head | | | | |
| records (writes) and reads the information on | | | | In case of a hard drive crash also, no |
| these concentric tracks. Two heads, one on | | | | attempt should be made by the user to rectify |
| each side of the disk, read and write the | | | | the situation. He should immediately call a |
| data as the disks spin with great speed. | | | | data recovery company who will take the |
| | | | crashed hard disk and open it in a dust-free |
| Hard disks have huge storage capacities and | | | | clean room. It needs expertise and experience |
| they provide random access to the information | | | | to retrieve any data from a crashed hard disk |
| stored on them. They have long life spans and | | | | and only professionals can do a good job of |
| data can be written, created, shifted, | | | | it. They copy the recovered data on a new |
| modified and erased any number of times on | | | | disk to be handed over to the user. |
| them. This makes them an irreplaceable | | | | |
| storage device. | | | | To prevent any critical situation like the |
| | | | one mentioned above, one should have an |
| Hard disks like all other storage devices can | | | | adequate and timely updated backup of all |
| lose data due to various reasons. These could | | | | crucial data. A properly stored backup will |
| be software errors often triggered by the | | | | serve you well in times of need. |
| users themselves. These include an accidental | | | | |