Definition

Noun: 1. A rigid magnetic disk mounted permanently in a drive unit: A type of data storage device, also commonly known as a hard disk drive (HDD), where magnetic disks are sealed inside the unit and cannot be removed by the user. It is used for storing and retrieving digital information in computers.

Usage

• The term "fixed disk" is used to distinguish this type of internal, non-removable storage from removable media like floppy disks or optical discs.
• It is often used in technical, computing, and historical contexts.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "Fixed disk drive": A more complete term specifying the entire unit containing the disk and its read/write mechanisms.
  • The server requires a replacement fixed disk drive.

Variants and Related Words

• Hard disk / Hard disk drive (HDD): The most common modern synonyms for "fixed disk."
• Internal drive: A broader term that can include fixed disks and other non-removable storage like solid-state drives (SSDs).
• Winchester drive: A historical term for early types of fixed disk drives.

Synonyms

• Hard drive
• HDD (Hard Disk Drive)
• Non-removable disk

Antonyms / Contrasting Terms

• Removable disk (e.g., floppy disk, USB flash drive)
• External drive (A storage drive housed in a separate enclosure and connected via a cable)

Noun

1. a rigid magnetic disk mounted permanently in a drive unit