A computer cannot run without a hard drive. Hard drives store all the data the computer needs to be up and running, like the operating system, commands, and executions. Program files are also stored on the drive and so are personal computer files.

A hard drive is very fragile. The disc inside is always spinning when powered up and can be damaged if dropped or if something magnetic is close to it. It can be erased if that happens.

Storage runs anywhere from a few hundred gbs, or gigabytes, to a thousand or more, a thousand being called a terrabyte. Depending on the user space needed will vary. For personal use one might only need a few hundred gb’s, and for work one may need more than that.

There are different types of hard drives. Internal ones stay inside the computer tower, and external ones stand on their own and can be hooked right up by USB to the computer. These are used mostly when running out of storage space, or when backup storage is needed.

It’s common for a hard drive to die after long term use. Some will last for years upon years, and others may burn out after only a couple years. Regardless, they need to be replaced every now and then. Be sure you have your data always backed up on something else.

Hard drives commonly need cleaning up for maintenance too. Sometimes old and erased files can stay stuck in the system and a defragmentation is needed. This is easily done from the computer, though it takes a long time. It will help the drive to stay clean.

They can also be reformatted, wiped of all data, to start over, but beware as this will erase any and all data you have stored on the drive.

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