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A '''hard drive''' is a vital component of the average computer. This is the permanent memory storage, where the [[operating system]], programs, settings, and files are stored. It also stores session data if the computer's system is suspended by "hibernation," which is when all data stored in the [[RAM]] is saved to the hard drive so that power may be disconnected. Even when a computer is configured to start up by network boot (the [[operating system]] is retrieved from a server) a hard drive is generally needed.
==Varieties==
There are two types of modern drives, and two kinds of data transfer which can be used by them.<br />
The older but still most common kind of drive is the [[hard disk]] drive (HDD). In this kind of drive, a magnetic "platter" is spun by a motor at high speeds past a reader "head." The "head" moves perpendicularly to the disk to read the required information from the disk as it passes by. This kind of drive generally fails based on the time it has been powered and running. This makes it better for high-use systems.<br />
The newer but still less popular kind of hard drive is the [[solid-state drive]] (SSD). In this kind of drive, a set of [[flash memory]] is installed in a fixed position, and read using electrical impulses send to each bit location. All information can be accessed without needing to collect it from various locations on a disk drive, and since this is not limited by the rotational speed, it can preform more quickly. This kind of drive generally fails based on the amount of data changed on this drive. This makes it ideal for minimal-use systems.<br />
===Communication Types===
These drives can communicate with the system's [[motherboard]] using two different methods. The older and largely obsolete type was PATA ([[Parallel ATA]]), which was formerly called IDE ([[Integrated Drive Electronics]]). The newer and now standard type is SATA ([[Serial ATA]]). This newer type can communicate at a greater rate to make better use of this, the rotational speed of SATA drives was also increased. This means that data can be written and retrieved more quickly, but the drive could potentially fail sooner than it's slower predecessor.