HARD DRIVE

A "hard disc" file storage disc (usually a magnetic disc) on a computer that has higher storage capacity and faster access time (e.g., under 20 ms) than slower devices such as floppy disc drives and optical disc (e.g., CD-ROM) drives. This is not the same as memory or random access memory (RAM). Usually the term "hard drive" refers to rigid discs coated with magnetic material. Fast hard discs are compared and reviewed in NewMedia, November 1994, p. 103. (See also RAM , Flash memory , RAID , and CD )