data storage devices [2]

Electronic devices used to record or save data on a magnetic or optical medium.

hard disk drive

Device integrated into the computer that reads and writes data on the hard disk inside the case.

disk

Rigid magnetic medium that is mounted on a central axis; its surface is divided into tracks and sectors on which data are written.

disk motor

Device that converts the electric energy powering it into mechanical energy so that disks can rotate at several thousand revolutions per minute.

actuator arm motor

Device that converts the electric energy powering it into mechanical energy to move the actuator arm according to the computer’s instructions.

read/write head

Device used to extract stored data from a disk or to write new data on a disk.

actuator arm

Movable arm bearing the read/write head; it moves the head across the surface of the disk.