Computer Preparing (Formatting)

Formatting the HDD : A hard disk drive (HDD) is a data storage device used for storing and retrieving digital information using rapidly rotating disks (platters) coated with magnetic material. An HDD retains its data even when powered off. To use the hard drive it must be formatted (after partitioning it). Formatting erases any existing files on a hard disk. If you format a hard disk that has files on it, the files will be deleted.
There are two types of Formatting:
? Physical Formatting, also known as low-level format.
? Logical Formatting or what is known as creating high level Formatting.
? Physical Formatting:
A physical formatting must be done before the logical formatting of the hard disk, physical formatting of the hard disk (also called low-level format) is usually done after the company produces the hard disk directly.
The purpose of low-level formatting is to divide the disk surface into basic elements: ? Tracks : They are the concentric areas written on both sides of a platter. ? Sectors : tracks are divided into pieces called sectors. ? Cylinders : all the data located on the same track of different platters.
College of Information Technology / Software Department
…………………………………………………..
Computer Skills II / First Class / Second Semester
LEC.2
7
When you buy a hard drive, it has already passed in low-level formatting, so you do not need to perform low-level formatting.
? Logical Formatting: Logical formatting occurs after the low-level formatting. Even though hard drives can be very small, they still contain millions of bits and therefore need to be organized, so that information can be located. The logical formatting creates a file system on hard disk, which allows the operating system to use the disk space to store and access files.