Small computers- such as microcomputers and low-end minicomputers- often employ nonremovable Winchester disks. Winchester disk systems consist of rigid metal platters that are tiered on a counting shaft in the same way as disks accompanying larger computers.
However, these disks are hermetically sealed in the storage unit along with the access mechanism containing the read/write heads.
Because the storage unit is completely sealed and free from the air contamination that plagues removable-pack hard-disk systems, Winchester disks need not go through an air filtration procedure before they are brought online. Also, they result in fewer heart crashes if maintained properly.
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Winchester disks are used on both small and large computer systems. On larger computer systems- where Winchesters are often referred to as fixed J disks or sealed-pack disks- the disks are commonly 14 or 8 inches in diameter.
Companies that don’t want to handle removable packs find these systems attractive, but they face buying additional disk units if they need more storage. Also, they must have room in their data centers for the additional disk cabinets.
Although many microcomputer systems still use diskettes heavily, Win- Chester disk systems are rapidly gaining in popularity and, in most organizations, becoming a necessity. In the micro computing world, Winchesters are commonly referred to as hard disks.
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They are especially appropriate when an organization needs greater amounts of online storage and faster access to programs and data than diskettes can provide.
So if you have a 40-megabyte Winchester unit, you have the storage equivalent of about 100 double-sided/double-density 5.25 inch diskettes online the minute you turn on the power. Also, you don’t have to constantly shuffle diskettes in and out of disk drives.
Winchester units for microcomputers are most commonly found in capacities of roughly 10, 20,30, and 40 megabytes. Devices that store 100 megabytes or more are also available. For microcomputers, Winchesters are most widely available in 8, 5.25, and 3.5 inch diameters.
The IBM PS/2 Model 50, to give just one example, uses a 20-megabyte Winchester disk unit consisting of two 5.25 inch disks. Winchester disk units on microcomputer systems can be internal or external.
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An internal Winchester system is fitted into your computer’s system unit in the space normally occupied by one of the diskette drives. An external system is a detached hardware unit that has its own power supply.
Many external systems also have a built-in slot for a tape cartridge, which can be used to back up important programs y and data. On larger computer systems, Winchester disk units are always external.