Magnetic Disk: Advantages, Disadvantages
Table of Contents
What is Magnetic Disk
We can store data for a very long time on magnetic disk, which are non-volatile storage devices. As a secondary storage option in computers, magnetic disk is a very common storage medium. Magnetic disks are made up of disc-like, circular platters. Each platter has a diameter between 1.8 and 5.25 inches, and its surface is divided into circular tracks that are further subdivided into sectors. We can store information on both sides of the platter thanks to the magnetic material that covers the platter’s upper and lower surfaces.
The platters that make up a magnetic disk are stacked on top of one another, and each platter has a read-write head that rotates within it. The disc arm is connected to the read-write heads that move over each platter’s surface.
Typically, ferromagnetic plastic is used to create magnetic disks. Data is stored on a magnetic disk in the same manner as it is on a magnetic tape. The head, which is responsible for reading and writing data, is the main component of the magnetic disk. The storage capacity of magnetic disks, which are a cheap secondary storage option, can range from several hundred GB to terabytes. When necessary, the data on the magnetic disk can be updated.
A magnetic disk’s data is accessed at random, greatly reducing the amount of time it takes to access data. It is significantly less expensive than RAM and can store a lot of data. However, because of its larger size, which affects how quickly it accesses data, its speed is slower than RAM.
Advantages
- Data is accessed at random in this. Its data access time is shortened as a result.
- This is a trustworthy backup storage option.
- In computers, it serves as auxiliary memory.
- Data transfer is greater than magnetic tape.
- Its storage capacity is very high.
- In this, the data can be updated when required.
- It is a non-volatile storage device, meaning that the data is kept there even after the power is cut.
Disadvantages
- It’s more expensive than magnetic tape.
- In the event of a head crash, there is a possibility of data loss.
- Compared to magnetic tape, it is less portable.