Also called Hard Drive, is an internal storage device of a computer, where all computer programmes and your documents are stored. Most Hard Disks are capable of storing of hundreds of thousand files, containing pictures, reports, videos, movies, games, etc. The size of a hard disk is measured in Gigabytes (GB); the most common disk-sizes are 160 GB, 250 GB, 320 GB, 500 GB and 640 GB, but there are bigger sizes nowadays. Most home and office computers, these days, come with 160 - 250GB sizes. But since many things are going online these days, including watching and saving movies, it would be wise to check the higher disk space as much as your budget can afford. Dont be taken by this option though, it is fairly enough to buy a computer with 160 to 250 GB if you are not fun for movies and gaming. The golden principle is that you should not spend for features that you would never use, as this would be a waste of money.

Many applications or programmes are demanding more disk space, as they move to a higher version. For example Microsoft Windows Operating System, Microsoft office and many software development applications are requesting more and more disk spaces. Therefore, you should aim to look for hard disks higher than 100GB, so as to be able to keep with changing technologies. The larger the hard disk size, the larger the number of programmes and documents are stored. If you plan to use your computer for storing photos, videos and music, I advise you to go for the largest hard disk size your budget can afford so as to be able to keep with changing technologies. The larger the hard disk size, the larger the number of programmes and documents are stored. If you plan to use your computer for storing photos, videos and music, I advise you to go for the largest hard disk size your budget can afford.

Tips:

A certain amount of disk space could be allocated (set aside) for boosting Random Access Memory (RAM). This can only be achieved if your computer has enough hard disk space. For instance, you can expand your existing 1GB RAM size to 3 or 4GB, simply by allocating some hard-disk space to be used as RAM, and you will see your computer runs faster.

Most computers come with Windows operating system (Windows 7, XP or Vista) installed. In some computers, all these system files are installed in a partitioned separate drive, usually named as c: (system). Such computers provide another drive named as D: (Data) where you can use to store your personal files and documents. Such partitioning of a computer is very essential, especially when your computer encounters programme crashes, when you would be forced to reinstall the programmes. Reinstalling Windows operating system, wipes out all system files and any others that have been stored in drive c: (system). The contents stored in drive D: (Data) are left un-affected. Therefore, please make sure the computer you buy is partitioned in such a way, in order to safeguard possible potential loss of your hard toiled and precious documents.

Word of caution! What I would also like to advise is that you should always make sure you save your personal documents in a separate partition of your hard disk, usually named D: (Data) and NOT in a Disk labelled "SYSTEM". This will help you rescue your documents at times of computer crash. This is not to imply that the Data Drive is absolutely safe and not penetrable. There is nothing as important as making regular backups of your data and documents on separate devices such as floppy disks, Zip Disks, CDs, DVDs, External Hard-Disks and online data back-up systems. Please be cautious, that there are always malicious virus and malwares available around. So please keep your computer security up to date, by installing Anti-virus and Internet security software.

Do you have shortage of hard disk space of your older Desktop computer? Don't worry, you can always add another Internal hard disk, in the available bays of your desktop computer as they normally come with additional bays. Alternatively, you can buy portable external hard-disk which is available at reasonable prices, and easily expand your hard disk size.

Hard disks have their speeds measured in rounds-per-minute (rpm). Most disks are of a speed around 5400 - 7200rpm, but if you find one with more rpm, why not go for it!

Some disks are noisy when running, so look for the silent ones whenever you look for specifications. This is also true especially when you buy external hard disks.

Updated: 18 Dec 2011

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Yohannes Berhe