All disks are divided into data storage compartments by sides, tracks, and sectors. Double-sided diskettes store data on both sides. On each side, there are concentric rings, called tracks, on which a disk can store data.

A disk is further divided by sectors. To understand what a sector is, picture the spokes on a bicycle wheel radiating from the hub of the wheel to the tire. The space between one spoke and the next is like a sector on a diskette. The figure below provides a simple representation of tracks and sectors.

Double-sided, double-density diskettes have either 40 or 80 tracks on each side, and double-sided, high-density diskettes have 80 tracks on each side. Diskettes can have 8,9,15, or 18 sectors per track.

Using Your Computer

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