by Matthew Adams

Created on: November 10, 2010

Hard disks are among the most important PC components. They provide the primary storage for all the PC software. Not to be confused with Ram, the hard-disk is permanent storage for PC software and so they are typically much larger than more portable USB sticks which may have only 2GB for files and software.

What is a hard-disk?

A hard-disk is a magnetic disk that all desktop PCs have. As mentioned, this magnetic disk is the primary storage for all PC software. As such, unlike some CD-Roms and DVDs hard-disks are re-writeable storage. Typically, the hard-disk storage will be hundred of GBs, between 300 – 500 GB with desktop PC.

How to find the hard-disk on Windows:

Given that the hard-disk is the primary storage device it is worth noting how it is located in Windows. Hard-disks have traditionally been referred to as the C: drive. To locate the C: drive you need to go to the computer short-cut from the Windows start menu in Vista. This will open Windows Explorer which is the software where you can browse your hard-disk, the C: drive, and any other additional drives. From here, you select the C: drive and the the main folders of the C: drive will be displayed, which is called the root directory. If a hard-disk is partitioned, then additional drives will have other letters.

Browsing the hard-disk:

From Windows Explorer you can browse the software installed. Select the folders and sub-folders to do so. On the left side of Windows Explorer the folders are displayed as a directory, and you can return to the root directory by re-selecting the C: drive.

Adding and removing software:

To add software to the hard-disk most DVD usually have an auto set-up procedure that will begin. However, if not then you can select the DVD drive from Windows Explorer and then set-up. From there, you need to give a location for the software, i.e. where it will be installed. Usually, an extra-sub-folder can be added to particular folder, with the name of the software title. Select next and the set-up wizard will install.

To remove software from the hard-disk there may also be an uninstall option included in software folder to select. However, if not then you can remove software from Windows via the control panel and uninstall a program option. Then, you can select the software from a software list.

Document files can be deleted from hard-disks more quickly.  Go to the relevant document folder, and then select the file or files to be deleted.  From here, right-clicking and selecting delete will remove document to the recycle bin which can then be emptied.

External hard-disks:

If you feel you still require additional hard-disk storage then external hard-disks can provide. These external hard-disks can provide hundreds of GB. USB external hard-disks can then be linked via the USB slots.

Overall, average hard-disks should have enough storage for most. However, software can always be removed for additional software if required. Back-up system software folders are also recommended in the event that a PC does not boot-up or system software folders and files are accidentally erased.

Learn more about this author, Matthew Adams.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.