Hard Disks

A Hard Disk Drive (HDD) is a device used by modern computers to permanently store information. The Hard Disk Drive is arguable the most essential part of a computer system in that all the information that is permanently stored is contained within its enclosure, including your computer’s Operating System (OS). Thanks to Hard Disk Drives, long gone are the days when you would have had to keep all your programs and documents stored on removable media such as Floppy Disks or CD-ROMs.

Originally invented in the mid 1950’s and made commercially available in 1956 by International Business Machines (IBM). Called RAMAC (Random Access Method of Accounting and Control), the first Hard Disk Drives contained as much as 50 platters which were 24 inches in diameter and were computers in their own right albeit with a single purpose – to store data. The entire unit which housed the hard drive was the approximate size of two large refrigerators placed side by side. In the 50 or so years since their invention, Hard Disk Drives have steadily and aggressively far out paced Moore’s law. Which stipulates that memory in computers will increase by 100% approximately every 18 months. Hard Disk Drives on the other hand have increased capacity in the same period by approximately 130%, an increase of 100% every nine months in many cases. Such capacity increases are being threatened, however. I

n the years since the first Hard Disk Drive very little has changed apart from logical steps in technology such as the increased speed or improved interfaces, the basic technology has changed very little. There have been no technological leaps, as it were, for Hard Disk Drives beyond their increased miniaturisation. Apart from miniaturisation and recording media improvements the Hard Disk Drive as a device is almost identical technologically speaking, to the very first, the RAMAC.Hard Disk Drives use a similar technology as is employed in audio and video cassettes. Such audio and video cassettes use a magnetic ribbon wound around a two wheels to store data. To access a particular portion of the data contained on the magnetic ribbon, the device must wind the tape such that the beginning of the section containing the data is underneath the device that reads the data (the magnetic read/write head). This process is called sequential data retrieval because in the process of accessing the particular data, the device must sequentially read each piece of data until the data it’s looking for is found. This process is very time consuming and contributes to wear.

Hard Disks on the other hand use a circular disk-shaped platter upon which the magnetically sensitive compound is laid. Such platters are similar in concept to a Compact Disk (CD) in that the data they hold can be accessed randomly, that the recordable media is in a circular (disk) shape, and that the data is sectioned off into tracks and sectors. Data on a Hard Disk Drive can be accessed randomly because the recordable medium of Hard Disk Drives uses these separated tracks and sectors. By separating the data in such a way, it can be positioned at random intervals of the disk, depending upon the space requirements.

Anywhere from one to seven recordable platters are contained within a modern Hard Disk Drive’s metallic enclosure. Hard Disk Drive platters are perfectly circular disks made from either an aluminium alloy or a more recently a glass ceramic substrate which is a ceramic disk suspended in a glass outer shell. Onto the surfaces of a disk’s platter is laid a thin layer of a magnetically sensitive coating called the recording medium, in modern drives the mixture is a complex amalgam of different materials such as cobalt chromium platinum boron (CoCrPtB) and other such rare metals.

How does a Hard Disk Drive store data?

All information located on a computer is expressed as a series of ones and zeros (1/0), as binary digits (bits). Taking advantage of the nature of magnetic particles, that they can be polarised to magnetic north or south and that their magnetic poles can be alternated or switched when a sufficient magnetic field of the correct polarity is applied, Hard Disk Drives can store the very same sequence of bits onto a disk by polarising the required magnetic particles on the recording medium such that they represent the data being stored. Hard Disk Drives are sectioned off such that they contain both intersecting tracks and sectors. The purpose of which is to provide a logical data structure, to provide a way to distinguish between areas of data. Within each track there are a number of sectors. It is within these sectors of the Hard Disk which data is stored.

The platter of a Hard Disk Drive is coated with a magnetically sensitive coating comprised primarily of magnetically charged particles or filings which as a whole may be called the recording medium. These particulates can be magnetically aligned such that they represent binary digits, by inducing an electromagnetic field upon them via a devices read/write head. The recording media contains many billions of microscopic particles which when viewed extremely close resemble miniature metal filings. When a Hard Disk Drive records data onto the medium it takes many hundreds (usually anywhere from 500 to 100) of these magnetically sensitive particles to store a single binary digit. The increased reduction of the amount of particles required to record data is highly limited by the precision of the read/write head (the miniature device that reads and records data onto the recording medium) because the magnetic field which is used by the drive’s read/write head to read and/or record (write) data is such that it already tentatively borders nearby data.

Should it be shrunk much further in an attempt to increase precision, the likelihood of data corruption would increase vastly. Research by various parties has been on-going to find a workable solution to recording data onto much fewer or even single particles for some time now. A hard drive may record data onto the Hard Disk Drive by applying a sufficient magnetic field to the section of the recording medium (which is suspended upon the Hard Disks platter) such that the data (a series of ones and/or zeros which correspond to the information being stored) is recorded onto the medium by aligning the specified particles to the desired magnetic pole (north or south). In doing so, any previous data which was present is therefore destroyed.

Perpendicular verses Longitudinal

Ever since the late 1980’s and early 1990’s magnetic media drive manufacturers have been researching the feasibility of switching from longitudinal to perpendicular recording techniques. The advantage is clearly one of capacity: when longitudinal magnetic particles are packed together, they take up much more space than if they were to stand upright, if they stood perpendicular to the platter. More than merely a matter of initial capacity gain, perpendicular recording technology avoids a problem which has been well known in the field for many years: the super-paramagnetic effect (SPE), which affects magnetically charged particles of such small size as that used in Hard Disk Drives. “The super-paramagnetic effect is a phenomenon observed in very fine particles, where the energy required to change the direction of the magnetic moment of a particle is comparable to the ambient thermal energy” (source: Wikipedia.org).Many theories have cropped up over the years as to what density magnetic particles (described by a disks areal density) may achieve before becoming subject to SPE. At present it is suggested that anything from 100Gbit/inch2 to 150Gbit/inch2 is the physical limitation for longitudinal Hard Disk Drives, although perpendicular media solutions have been made as high as 230Gbit/inch2.

In the layering of the magnetic particulates atop a magnetic suspension layer and orienting the particles perpendicular to the platter, the recording medium can pack many more magnetically sensitive particles together in the same space than previously possible whilst keeping SPE at bay. Perpendicular recording technology does not however preclude SPE from limiting capacity in the future, more than anything perpendicular recording technology can been described as a way to give manufacturers breathing room to develop more permanent technological solutions such as holographic lithography or a multilayered recording medium. Traditional recording media manufacture consists of the spreading of recording material over a disk platter via a centrifugal force induced by spinning the platter whilst the recording material is placed atop its surface. The centrifugal force would spread the recording material across the surface, evenly spreading it in all directions. Perpendicular recording media manufacture on the other hand requires a much different technique.

The exact manufacturing process of perpendicular recording media is unsurprisingly a closely guarded secret, especially considering its recent arrival on the marketplace. From patents filed at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), it can be taken that the predominant technique involves the laminating of magnetic and non-magnetically charged metals such as chromium, cobalt, platinum and alloys of similar; sandwiching unique layers to affect the desired result – a recording medium such that the magnetic particles are aligned perpendicular to the platter. In US patent number 6387483, filed by the NEC Corporation of Tokyo; it describes the technique as follows:The perpendicular magnetic recording medium of the embodiment is formed by laminating a Cr film, a soft magnetic under layer film, and a perpendicular magnetizing film on a substrate in this order. (Source: USPTO no. 6387483)

In longitudinal media manufacture too, laminating multiple supportive metals is achieved; in perpendicular media however, the difference is the magnetizing film as described above. Whereas traditional lamination ordinarily serves only to prevent wear and noise (both electro-mechanical and audible noise), in perpendicular media manufacture it would appear that at least some of the lamination process is used to magnetize the magnetic media particles to a perpendicular orientation. Precisely how the reorientation of magnetic media particulate is accomplished is not easy to determine, most probably because the technology is so new that such details are sketchy at best and obscure or guarded at worst. This fact is not at all surprising concerning a new technology such as perpendicular magnetic media development.

The future of storage technology

Perpendicular magnetic media technology as discussed earlier is merely a temporary solution, to find more permanent solutions we must look to much more advanced technologies. One such technology is patterned magnetic media. The process of patterned magnetic media aims to make singular magnetic particulates the object of recording bits, you will remember that current technologies requires approximately 500 to 1000 magnetic particles to store a single bit. The object of patterned media is to cut this dramatically down to a single particle per bit. Advantages of such a technology are such as reduced statistical noise associated with granular media and more increased areal density (as much as 64Gbit/inch2).

Patterned magnetic media aims to prevent the SPE barrier, or at least further decrement its effect through the use of so-called mesas and valleys. The technique uses the creation of barriers between magnetic particles, thereby avoiding the SPE complication which affects closely packed particles. Holographic Storage (a.k.a. Holographic Lithography) too is a technology that aims to increase storage capacity which is also under heavy research, and claims to be a much more permanent solution. Unlike Patterned Magnetic Media, Holographic Storage is a revolutionary step away from magnetic media and previous optoelectronic technologies.

Hard Disk Drives will always be subject to inertia and centrifugal force induced by the moving parts of the drives mechanical components (platter, read/write head), Holographic Storage has no such issues; the holographic process uses lasers in replacement of the read/write head of a Hard Disk Drive and the media itself requires no momentum (unlike the platters in Hard Disk Drives).

Such holographic storage is far from realisation, in fact it is postulated by some that it may be as much as ten years before the technology can be made into a workable solution. In direct symmetry to early memory research, research on Holographic Storage technologies seems to have banded into two camps: one of super fast data retrieval and extraordinarily high capacity storage; no doubt there will be extremely profitable markets for both.

Security Safes

A basic locking cabinet can secure valuable papers or personal items but it will not protect them from theft or fire damage. Only safes can provide a superior level of protection for documents, jewelry, guns and personal items.Computer data would be difficult or impossible to duplicate if lost.

While paper records secured within a fire-rated safe can withstand temperatures up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, computer media is damaged beyond use by temperatures above 125 degrees and 80% humidity. Microfiche film, tapes, diskettes, CDs, DVDs and computer media require the added protection of a data media safe.

Data Media Safes are specifically designed for data media storage. Protect against fire and climactic changes--a requirement for a small business or home office. A data media safe must keep the internal temperature below 125º and the humidity level below 85%. Several fire testing laboratories have tested our safes at a temperature of 1,832 degrees F for over one hour with internal temperatures remaining below 122 degrees F. The safes were awarded the one-hour label. In addition, the safes are manufactured under ISO 9002 quality standard requirements.

Fire could destroy your business! In fact, eight businesses burn almost every hour in the U.S. resulting in over 2.3 billion dollars in annual losses.* Unfortunately, seven out of ten businesses have not adequately protected their vital records. When that information is destroyed a business often fails. Don't become a company that incurs fire damage resulting in critical loss of data (customer, personnel, accounting files, etc.) by not utilizing quality fire and data media safes. Survival is possible but preparation is necessary.

Client Relation

Every office is different and subscribes to different needs under even a single product category.

However, it is not always possible for the managers to track and answer all the minute details of the needs of employees in a comparatively bigger office. We admit that it is not an easy task to operate.

Say, an office needs some tapes. Is this much information enough to get the job done! There are, Clear Tape, Double Sided, Drafting Tape, Adhesives and Litho Tape, Masking Tape, Packing Tape, Printed Tape, Invisible Tape and many other verities.

Now again we ask- ‘is this much information enough to get the job done!’ These tapes come in various sizes and colours to serve specific needs. Without being to market (i.e. without seeing the product and the new arrivals) how one can decide and define one’s specific needs!

The problems get more intense while buying computer accessories, inkjet cartridge, toner cartridge and even photo paper, glossy photo paper or photo printer paper.

An office comprising of even fifty or less employees faces huge problems regarding on-time office supplies. It is not always possible to find and recruit a person who is the best to understand the specific needs and choices of every individual and buy from market the ideal product at the best price.

To add to this, many companies do not want to burden themselves by stuffing a person for this job and instead, they sign agreements with local suppliers.

These companies try to ignore the fact that this job demands a specialist’s direct and sensitive attachment. To add to it, the company is always running the risk of paying some extra amount for not being updated about ever-changing market prices.

Otherwise, some companies just allow the employees to buy products themselves that wastes much valuable time of the person and the company.

A great number of companies are turning to online stationery supplier to solve these problems. However, many online suppliers cannot afford to employ client specific account management executives for personalized assistance.

Many of them just ignore (if they have really thought about that) this point partially to increase the profit margin in their stationery supply business. It all depends on the owner’s business ideology and business propositions.

It is high time for online office stationery suppliers to act in this issue; otherwise, the clients will remain deprived of services that they really deserve.

Still, there are people who invest on building a long-lasting relationship, perhaps for the reason that they believe: A good relationship always pays. Wish all the best for them.

Computer Components

Every person who wishes to buy a new computer must be careful about the little things, specifically the specs of the computer. Computer components are the crucial things to be inspected as you make that technological investment. Before you set off buying that computer for you, you should first make sure that you are aware of the different computer components which you need to inspect as you scan your options. So what are these important computer components? Here they are:

CPU – Also known as the Central Processing Unit. This is perhaps the most important part of the computer components in its most general sense. The CPU houses the memory and all the hardware components responsible for the timely transfer of data within the computer. The CPU is also known as the brain of your computer because this facilitates the entire working functions of your computer components. This is also the component which is responsible for setting off the speed of your computer’s capacity. With this in mind, your CPU is often measured in terms of gigahertz or GHz.

Mother Board – The mother board acts like a transmission venue for your computer components. This is where your keyboard and mouse gets wired to your entire computer processor. In addition, the mother board also connects other computer components to be reflected on your monitor. It is connected to both the hardware and the software computer components of your entire system. It seemingly provides a house of skeletal framework for your individual hardwares and just the same, it also facilitates file transfers between different data.

RAM – Also known as the Random Access Memory. This particular part of your computer components tells you just how much memory you can store on your computer. This is also a crucial component because if you have it at exceedingly low levels, you may not be able to open files or even facilitate making documents and other types of files on your computer. A memory is not just important for storing and saving data but it is also a crucial aspect that helps keep data become more visible than ever.

Hard Disk – This is perhaps the most wrongly understood part of all the computer components. Some people tend to interchange its functions with the RAM and other memory capacity. Among the computer components, you can refer to the hard disk as some sort of support system for your computer. How? Because it houses the memory of your entire computer as it is turned off. While your computer is running, the RAM is the one responsible in keeping its operational functions. But when turned off, your computer components’ memory goes to this safe place known as the hard disk.

Knowing these important computer components is important because it helps you know what type of specs you should look for when buying a new computer system for yourself. In this way, you can easily find the one that suits you best. Computer components are always a crucial thing to know because it helps save you from the fatal mistake of buying something that’s not meant for you.

Notebook

A notebook computer, also called a laptop, is a smaller mobile computer. The term laptop was coined back in the 80`s, because they were so small that they could sit on your lap.

All notebook computers open like a book to reveal a 12`` to 20`` screen and a keyboard at the base with a touchpad. This touchpad is also known as a track pad which acts as a mouse. A notebook computer`s hardware is physically smaller in size and usually less powerful than a desktop. Most notebooks can do everything a desktop can these days, right from playing CD`s, games, music, run office applications to surfing the web.

With most notebooks having several built-in USB ports, any peripheral can be connected to a laptop including printers, mp3 players, and external hard drives. Notebooks give the user the flexibility to work wherever they want, whether at home, at the beach or in an airplane. Wireless connectivity to the internet is one of the best features of notebook computers.

Even before desktops went wireless, people used their wireless connections with their laptop to surf the web anywhere they wanted. Notebooks opened up an altogether new world with their mobile technology. Businessmen could fly across the country and keep their files with them and access them from their personal notebooks whenever required. The notebook also found its use in the campuses around the world for students to take down notes, look up for resources and research topics online.

Notebook computers range in price from around $500 to $3000 depending on the power of the CPU, the amount of memory one needs, the audio and video features selected as well as the peripherals chosen. Another important determinant for the price of a notebook is its weight. Because the primary use of a notebook is its mobile computing, a light weight unit is important to many people. Notebooks range from 3 to 7 lbs in weight and one has to pay more for a lighter computer.

When you own a laptop, you are almost certainly going to need a notebook computer accessory. There are all sorts of notebook peripherals that help make portable computing easier and more convenient. If you are looking for a cheap notebook computer, there are a few issues you need to be aware of so that you do not skimp on quality.

Computers have become so commonplace in our lives that we sometimes forget that they are intricate pieces of technology that demand care. And notebook computers are no exception. You may also wish to own a used notebook computer or a refurbished notebook computer that has been cleaned, fixed, upgraded and is ready for reuse.

Refurbished notebooks are popular because they are a less expensive way of owning a notebook. The first commercially available laptop notebook computer was in 1981. It was heavy and slow. But it was also the first step in computer technology. Then in 1995, Microsoft launched Windows 95 which enabled laptop computers to contain a universal processor, the Intel Pentium. Since that time there have been some noteworthy innovations that propelled the notebook to reach millions of homes and offices worldwide.

The best budget notebook is what every consumer wants when looking for a nice portable computer. Notebook computers are perhaps the best type of computers that a person can buy and is the ultimate in portability. Notebooks are a favorite in computing. Because just as the cell phone has almost replaced the home phone, the notebook computer can do everything a desktop can.

So many people like to have a notebook exclusively, only because it gives them the flexibility to use it in bed at night, at their desk at work, or in a meeting halfway across the globe!

Laptop Lcd Screen

Laptop LCD Screens come in different resolutions. Resolutions are the number of pixels per inch that a screen is able to display. Most screens sold today have TFT active matrix technology. The more pixels or higher the resolution a screen is the crisper the image. In addition, higher resolution screens allow more of a picture to be viewable.

Once a student came to me and asked “I want to upgrade size of my screen” It was little funny, I replied him “No, the screen size cannot be upgraded”

and if you want to upgrade resolution it depends on the type of video card contained in your laptop and the availability of a compatible LCD Screen of higher resolution, the screen resolution may be upgraded.

If your laptop screen displays lines ?

If you are observing Horizontal or vertical lines on your laptop screen then this means that you need to replace your laptop screen. But sometimes it can also be due to a defective video cable or video card. To find out the actual cause you need to connect your laptop to an external monitor if the lines don’t disappear it definitely means you need to get a new laptop screen.

What if display is dim?

Usually dim display is because of a problem with the inverter or by the backlight (screen). Normally it’s the inverter that causes a dim display, therefore we recommend that you replace the inverter first, if the problem still exists then you would need a new screen because there might be a problem with the backlight of the screen.

You can use different laptop screens with your laptop. Because normally the laptop manufacturer don’t produce there own screens and they use screens from different manufacturers in the same laptop model.

Pc Speaker Audio Driver

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