December 2008

ECC On-the-Fly A hardware correction technique that corrects errors in the read buffer prior to host transfer without any performance penalties. These error corrections are invisible to the host system because they do not require assistance from the drive’s firmware. EIDE (Enhanced Integrated Drive Electronics) The primary interface used by desktop PCs to handle communication between hard drives and the central processing unit.…

Database A collection of data stored on a computer system medium, such as a hard drive, CD-ROM, etc., that can be used for more than one purpose. Data Lifeguard A Western Digital exclusive data reliability feature that automatically detects, isolates and repairs problem areas on the hard drive before data loss can occur.…

Cable Select (CSEL) An alternative option which can be used in place of setting Master/Slave jumpers in the designation of drives in a dual drive configuration. Master/Slave designation is based on the position of the drives relative to the cable. Special cabling is required by the system manufacturer to selectively ground the CSEL signal on one of the IDE cable connectors.…

Bandwidth The amount of data that can be sent over a given circuit. See also buffer bandwidth. BIOS (Basic input/output system) A program or set of programs that control the basic functions of the computer. Bit An abbreviation for a binary digit which can be either 0 or 1.…

Access Retrieval of data from or transfer of data into a storage device or area such as RAM or a register. Access Time The amount of time, including seek time, latency and controller time, needed for a storage device to retrieve information.…