USB Basics

Imagine a network based on inexpensive, high volume chipsets, with data rates up to 12Mbit/second and a 25 meter distance capacity, designed from the start with “plug and play” in mind. Add 5 Volt power, with up to 500mA current capacity, and compatibility with many consumer products.

What we just described is Universal Serial Bus (USB)—an external-connectivity communications technology for linking peripherals such as mice, keyboards, modems, joysticks, video, etc. to Macintosh and PC computers. It has gained favor commercially and privately since 1996.

What Makes Up a Hard Drive

Hard Drives are one of the most important parts on your computer. They are also one of the most expensive. All hard drives share a basic structure and are composed of the same physical features. However, not all hard drives perform the same way, as the quality of the parts of the hard drive will affect its performance. Following is a description of the common features of the hard drive and how each part works in relation to the others. Hard drives are extremely sensitive equipment and the internal workings of a hard drive should not be handled by anyone other than an experienced professional.