What is it?
A hard drive, or hard disk, is a device that records information for retrieval at a later time. Your most frequently used applications and data, not to mention your operating system, are stored on glass or aluminum platters within the drive, making it one of the most important components you have. With graphics applications, multimedia presentations, and Internet downloads taking up more and more of your disk space, isn't it time you upgraded your hard drive? 

Why would I need it?
Because your existing hard drive:

• Doesn't offer the storage capacity you need 
• Has forced you to delete files to free up space 
• Cannot access large operating systems and applications with ease 
• Is 6GB or less, or has an ATA/33 interface 
• Has frequent failures 

Put simply, a hard drive failure can turn your computer into a metal footrest. When your hard drive goes down, your data goes down with it. Regular maintenance keeps it running efficiently, but if it is neglected for too long, the file system can become corrupted and your files will be unreadable. The best way to overcome a complete drive failure is to upgrade to a new model that can handle your storage needs. 

What a new hard drive can do for you: 

Increased storage capacity Faster system performance Access to more applications

How do I install and use it?
Before installing or attaching any component to your computer, read and follow the manufacturer's installation instructions carefully. Also, the purchase of an installation kit will allow you to make the easiest transition from your old drive to the new. These kits often include an interface cable, software, drivers, and instructions and are recommended to anyone without previous installation experience. Also, you should keep your new hard drive inside its static-resistant packaging until you are ready to install it - static electricity, dirt, and oil from your hands can damage the drive beyond repair. 

Before removing your old drive, you will want to create a boot disk. This disk will contain the files you need to reboot your computer after you've completed the installation of your new drive. Be sure to save all of your files to disk during this process, because once the drive is disconnected, your files are inaccessible. 

Begin by shutting down your computer and disconnecting your monitor. Remove the case with a demagnetized screwdriver and ground yourself by touching the metal frame of the computer before you reach for any internal components. 

In many instances, you can use the cables, screws, and brackets from your old hard drive to install the new one. You should see a flat ribbon cable and a multicolored power cable connected to your old drive. Make sure these cables will work with your new drive and note how the hard drive is placed in the computer and which direction it is facing. After replacing the new drive with the old, slip the old drive in the new drive's packaging to keep it safe. 

Replace the computer cover and reconnect the monitor. Turn on your computer and use your boot disk to revive your system. 

External drives are installed by simply connecting the interface between the drive and computer. Some external hard drives require the installation of driver software first, but many are Plug and Play compatible with Windows 95 or Windows 98. 

How should I go about buying one?
There are a few factors to consider before purchasing a new hard drive, and this process can be simplified by first determining your desired interface. There are two different types of hard drive interfaces for desktop PCs and two for notebook computers, and the decision between the various interfaces comes down to a matter of cost, compatibility, and personal preference. Be informed as to which interface best suits your computing needs, and remember that even though many new hard drives are backwards compatible with older interfaces, a new drive can only perform to the level of its connection. Also, many hard drives are now packaged in kits that include an interface cable, installation software, and the proper drivers. These kits are highly recommended for anyone upgrading the storage in their system. 

Interface:The interface is the connection between your hard drive and computer. Your hard drive uses this link to send and receive data. First, take into consideration if you would like to upgrade to an internal drive, which installs directly into your computer or an external drive, which sits next to your desktop PC or travels on the road with your notebook computer.

Internal drives use SCSI or ATA interface: 

SCSI (Small Computer System Interface, pronounced scuzzy): SCSI interfaces are faster than EIDE, but are also more expensive and more complicated to use. You must have a SCSI interface card installed in your PC to use a SCSI device. If you don't, you will have to purchase one and install it along with the drive, which is recommended only for experienced computer users.

Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA): ATA interfaces, also referred to as EIDE, support fast data transfer rates and allow multiple hard drives to connect within a single system. With drive software, the installation process is fairly easy, but you must also have an IDE interface card in place (the majority of the computer systems today already include this device). Since you will want your hard drive to run at its maximum transfer rate, look for hard drives and interfaces that support Ultra ATA/66.

External drives use Parallel Port or PCMCIA interfaces:  

Parallel Port: Parallel ports connect to your computer's printer port and usually include a printer pass-through, which allows you to connect both the drive and printer simultaneously. This saves from having to connect and reconnect the drive and printer when using one or the other. Parallel port connectors are typically more convenient than PC Cards, but offer slower data transfer rates.

PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association): A PCMCIA card, or PC Card, is a credit card-sized device that slides into a PC Card slot. This interface is common to notebook computer users and is known more for its convenience than performance. PC Card slots are often used for more than one device and constant swapping usually results in wear and tear on the slot.

The Best Interface: Stick With What You Got
Why make things difficult? Look for a drive with the same interface that your current system uses. This will eliminate the need to purchase an additional interface card or risk hardware conflicts. 

Internal or External? Desktop or Notebook?
Internal hard drives are simply faster than external models, capable of transferring data at a whopping 66.7MB per second as opposed to 16.6MB per second. The question is, does speed beat out flexibility? While internal drives require installation, external hard drives usually boast Plug and Play capabilities! True, these drives were originally designed to complement existing notebook storage, but with many inexpensive, light-weight external drives available today, the loss of desk space is balanced out by their ease of installation and overall versatility. External hard drives are certainly not just for telecommuters anymore. 

Form factor
The actual size of the drive is almost as important as its interface. Keep in mind that most desktop computers use 3.5-inch hard drives, while notebook computers use 2.5-inch form factor drives. 

Capacity
When upgrading your computer's hard drive, consider a much larger gigabyte model than you currently have in your system because it's definitely better to have too much space than too little. And, with the new, massive hard drives consuming the marketplace, you can now find some very reasonable mid-range capacities for far less than you would have paid just a year ago. Expect that a few more gigabytes of storage will only cost you $10 to $20 and that those extra dollars can extend the usability of your computer for years to come. 

Speed: Faster is Better
A faster spindle speed translates into a better performing drive. While most hard drives offer 5,400 to 7,200 revolutions per minute, newer, high-end hard drives have raised the bar to 10,000RPM. The spindle speed, or rotational speed, increases the data transfer rate by sending more data per second through the drive. This means that you spend less time waiting to access your files. 

What products are most recommended?
Economy: If you are looking for a little more storage space for your operating system, applications, and Internet browser, a low to mid-range hard drive will be sufficient. But keep in mind that bigger is only better if accompanied by an Ultra ATA/66 controller. 

Value: To get the most for your money, consider purchasing a mid-range hard drive with 20GB or more. The emergence of larger capacity hard drives has driven down the cost of mid-range models, so you can find some very good deals that will carry your system well into the next millennium. 

Performance: If you are looking for a high-capacity, high-performance hard drive, look for models with 30GB or more, a fast spindle speed, and low seek time. These key features will allow you to quickly and easily access applications, run your operating system, and store all of your important data.