HDD

A hard disk drive (HDD) is a traditional storage device that uses spinning disks coated with magnetic material to store data. A read/write head on an arm accesses this data as the disks spin, allowing information to be written, read, or deleted. HDDs are commonly used for long-term storage in computers and servers, offering high capacity at relatively low cost. Although slower than modern solid-state drives (SSDs), HDDs are valued for their reliability and ability to store large amounts of data affordably.

Key Features of HDDs:

1. Capacity: HDDs offer high storage capacities, typically ranging from hundreds of gigabytes to multiple terabytes, making them ideal for archiving and media storage.
2. Performance: While slower than SSDs, HDDs are suitable for applications where read/write speeds aren’t critical, such as backup storage.
3. Durability: HDDs can wear out over time due to their moving parts, but with proper care, they offer a long lifespan.
4. Cost: HDDs are more affordable per gigabyte than SSDs, making them a cost-effective solution for bulk storage needs.

Common Uses: HDDs are frequently used in desktops, servers, and external storage solutions, particularly for data archiving, backups, and media collections where speed is secondary to storage space.

In short, HDDs remain a valuable storage option, providing ample storage at a low cost, despite the rise of faster, more resilient SSDs.