Using a Hard Disk Drive
Using a hard disk is similar to using a diskette. However, the
hard disk provides several advantages:
a
a
a
A 40MB hard disk can store as much data as approximately
thirty-three 1.2MB diskettes, and a 100MB hard disk can
store as much data as approximately eighty-two 1.2MB
diskettes.
Your computer can perform all disk-related operations
faster.
You can store frequently used programs and data files on
the hard disk, eliminating the inconvenience of swapping
diskettes to access different files.
The added storage capacity makes it easy to move back and
forth between different programs and data files. However,
because it is so easy to add programs and files to your hard
disk, you may find yourself trying to organize hundreds of files.
Most operating systems let you keep related files together in
directories and subdirectories so they are easy to find and use.
See your operating system manual for instructions on
managing your files and directories.
Note
A hard disk must be partitioned and formatted before you
can use it. Be sure you have performed the procedures
described in your operating system manual to prepare your
hard disk for use.
1-20
Using Your Computer