Process of Storing Data

Two processes have to be done to completely store information on the hard drive.
The first is called low-level formatting. This is when the hard drive gets a request to
store data and then proceeds to find an available location for it. The hard drive locates
available sectors and verifies that there is enough space for the data that is to be stored.
If space is available, the track reserves this space for the data; the data needs to be
reserved just in case two programs are trying to store data at the exact same time. The
information about the location of the reserved space is then sent back to the disks before
storing is actually done.
The next step is known as high-level formatting. This process is when the disk uses the
sector location information it was given from the previous process to prepare the disk
drive to hold the data. It does this by writing the structure of the file storage to the
sectors before it writes the data. The actuator arm is then used to write the data onto the
disk in the predetermined location. The hard drive then receives a confirmation if the
data is written correctly or an error message if there was a problem. The message (error
or confirmation) is relayed back to the user.

How is a hardrives speed measure? RPM's (Revolutions Per Minute)

Ssd

A solid-state drive (SSD), also called a flash drive, is type of hard drive. Though the
architecture of an SSD is quite different from traditional hard drives, the name is carried
over. An SSD utilizes a special kind of memory chip with erasable, writeable cells that
can hold data even when powered off. It might help to think of an SSD as the larger
cousin of the memory stick.

Like standard drives, an SSD utilizes a special area for cache memory. Cache memory
serves the function of increasing processing speeds by holding data that is needed
repeatedly. With the data close at hand in the cache, it does not need to be fetched from
the main storage area each time it’s called.

Some SSDs use cache that is volatile, as in synchronous dynamic random access
memory (SDRAM), while others use non-volatile cache. The former requires a power
source to retain data, just like computer RAM. The latter type retains data even without
power.

An SSD has many advantages over a traditional drive. Seek time is decreased
significantly, making the SSD very fast. Being sold-state, the drive has no moving parts
to malfunction, and does not generate significant heat. It is also lighter than a standard
drive, more power efficient, and completely silent. Finally, the SSD is more durable. If
dropped or banged it isn't as likely to be damaged.

There are, however, disadvantages to an SSD over a standard hard drive. Most SSDs
have a slower write time than standard drives, although this can vary, depending on the
type of flash memory used and number of chips. Standard drives are also relatively less
expensive than SSDs, although the price has fallen. The SSD also has a limited life
expectancy of erase/write cycles, after which it no longer performs reliably. A hard disk
may be able to deliver a good ten years of solid operation.

Many people in the field believe that flash drives or SSDs will eventually replace
traditional hard drive technology. By the time this happens, the disadvantages will
likely have been eliminated or significantly mitigated. Even today, an SSD can extend
the life of a notebook battery, decrease the weight of the machine, make it quieter, and
increase read performance.

How does ssd stores information SSDs are sophisticated storage devices that use non-
moving memory chips,
mostly non-volatile NAND fl ash, instead of the rotating magnetic disks found in
hard drives. Hard drives can take the data directly from the host and write it to
the rotating media. In contrast, SSDs can’t write a single bit of information without
fi rst erasing and then rewriting very large blocks of data at one time (also referred
to as P/E).
Because SSDs and hard drives have different strengths in terms of effi ciency,
they complement each other and can co-exist. SSDs deliver ultra-fast random
data access (inputs-outputs per second, or IOPS, performance), low power
consumption, small size and high physical resilience (due to no moving parts)—
but they cost more. Hard drives provide fast sequential data access with high
capacity, endurance and reliability at a much lower price.
Seagate provides both SSD and hard drive storage solutions in our enterprise
portfolio.

1.How does a Hard Drive store information?

2.How is a Hard Drives speed measure?

3.What is a SSD (Solid State Drive) switch SSD on the first 2 questions?