Just a question:
What about USB drives? Any arms or sth like that?

The article author also says: “The CPU will tell the hard drive what you’re looking for… It will then ‘read’ the image and send it to the CPU… Then the CPU takes over and sends the image on its way to your screen.”

Also: “When you click ‘Save’, all of that information is shot to the CPU which in turn sorts it (processes it) and sends it to the hard drive for storage. ”

The CPU does all these? The author does not seem to have clear ideas about the operations of a CPU, Operating System and RAM.

Platters are magnetic, NOT light sensitive! It would be the same as saying that a audio cassette is light sensitive.

PLEASE do your research THOROUGHLY before writing an article like this. Misinformation can be worse than a lack of information. And proper terminology, such as the difference between RAM(memory), and hard drive storage, is important. Most modern disks spin at at least 7200 RPM. There are more misconceptions in the article that I won’t comment upon.

I would also avoid telling anyone to open a hard drive even one they get from eBay. There are enough photos and videos online to satisfy that curiosity.

Paul G’s comment:
“Most people haven’t a clue about the difference between memory (RAM) and a hard disk.

A bit disappointing to see the same mistake in an article here.”

Of course, OBVIOUSLY, you weren’t referring to RAM. And as Paul pointed out, it’s inconceivable that a supposed tech writer would make the mistake of using HD and RAM interchangeable, and that a supposed electrical engineer would defend such usage.

The “information” offered here has become a joke. Unsubscribing RSS feed in 3… 2… 1.

Yes, because exposure to light will ruin all those optical disks. Be sure to only use your CDs in the dark, kids!

Seriously, you guys running this place are damn geniuses. “Makeuseof”, indeed…

1. Sorry about the last piece of advice about the light. I think I got carried away with the ‘roll of film’ idea. Basically, when a hard drive is being manufactured they are shined and cleaned until there isn’t a trace of dirt, dust or contamination on the disc. Indeed, light for short periods will not damage the platter but any dust in the air or any contamination left behind such as fingerprints or moisture will make it hard for the heads to read the data.

2.When I refer to 60GB of memory, quite obviously I’m referring to the amount of data that can be stored on the disc. A PC with 60 GB of RAM would be some kind of monster machine ! Paul – I think you’ll find most people do know the difference between RAM and hard disc capacity – even on computer advertisments they’re labeled in the specs for all to see and understand.

3. Finally,thank you for the comments and sorry about the light error in the final few lines