Harðplötu

Harðplötu is the Icelandic word for a hard drive, a common type of data storage device. It is an electro-mechanical device that stores and retrieves digital data using magnetic storage. Harðplötur typically consist of one or more rigid, rapidly rotating platters coated with magnetic material. Data is read and written by read/write heads that move across the surface of the platters.

The technology behind harðplötur has been around for decades, with early models appearing in the 1950s. Over time, they have become significantly smaller, faster, and more affordable, leading to their widespread adoption in personal computers, servers, and other electronic devices. Modern harðplötur can store vast amounts of data, ranging from hundreds of gigabytes to several terabytes.

While solid-state drives (SSDs) are becoming increasingly popular due to their superior speed and durability, harðplötur remain a cost-effective solution for mass storage. They are often used for storing large files such as videos, music libraries, and system backups. The mechanical nature of harðplötur means they are more susceptible to physical shock and have a longer access time compared to SSDs, but their high storage capacity per dollar makes them a relevant technology.