In computer hardware, active hard-drive protection refers to technology that attempts to avoid or reduce mechanical damage to
hard disk drive
A hard disk drive (HDD), hard disk, hard drive, or fixed disk is an electro-mechanical data storage device that stores and retrieves digital data using magnetic storage with one or more rigid rapidly rotating platters coated with magnet ...
s by preparing the disk prior to impact. This approach is mainly used in
laptop computer
A laptop, laptop computer, or notebook computer is a small, portable personal computer (PC) with a screen and alphanumeric keyboard. Laptops typically have a clam shell form factor with the screen mounted on the inside of the upper li ...
s that are frequently carried around and more prone to impacts than
desktop computer
A desktop computer (often abbreviated desktop) is a personal computer designed for regular use at a single location on or near a desk due to its size and power requirements. The most common configuration has a case that houses the power supply ...
s.
Implementation
Usually the system consists of
accelerometer
An accelerometer is a tool that measures proper acceleration. Proper acceleration is the acceleration (the rate of change of velocity) of a body in its own instantaneous rest frame; this is different from coordinate acceleration, which is accele ...
s that alert the system when excess acceleration or vibration is detected. The software then tells the hard disk to unload its
heads
A head is the part of an organism which usually includes the ears, brain, forehead, cheeks, chin, eyes, nose, and mouth, each of which aid in various sensory functions such as sight, hearing, smell, and taste. Some very simple animals may no ...
to prevent them from coming in contact with the
platter, thus potentially preventing
head crash
A head crash is a hard-disk failure that occurs when a read–write head of a hard disk drive makes contact with its rotating platter, slashing its surface and permanently damaging its magnetic media. It is most often caused by a sudden seve ...
.
Many laptop vendors have implemented this technology under different names. Some hard-disk drives also include this technology, needing no cooperation from the system.
See also
*
Hard disk drive failure
A hard disk drive failure occurs when a hard disk drive malfunctions and the stored information cannot be accessed with a properly configured computer.
A hard disk failure may occur in the course of normal operation, or due to an external factor ...
*
Head crash
A head crash is a hard-disk failure that occurs when a read–write head of a hard disk drive makes contact with its rotating platter, slashing its surface and permanently damaging its magnetic media. It is most often caused by a sudden seve ...
*
Sudden Motion Sensor
References
Data security
Hard disk drives
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