ABSTRACT
While disk drives have been around since the 1950s, like anything else the technology keeps evolving. As a result, the assortment of options on the market available for data storage is expanding. Selecting the best disk drive for any particular operation and keeping it running at its best require an understanding of the hardware components, as well as how the data is stored and the terminology used by the manufacturers in describing their products. Only then can a correct comparison be made. This chapter provides details about the basic components and architecture of the hard disk and methods to improve its performance.
