Glossary

DISK CONTROLLER – A plug-in board, or embedded circuitry on the drive, that passes information to and from the disk. The Maxtor disk drives all have controllers embedded on the drive printed-circuit board.

DISKWARE – The program instructions and data stored on the disk for use by a processor.

DMA – Acronym for direct memory access. A process by which data moves directly between a disk drive (or other device) and system memory without passing through the CPU, thus allowing the system to continue processing other tasks while the new data is being retrieved.

DRIVE – Short form of disk drive.

DRIVE GEOMETRY – The functional dimensions of a drive in terms of the number of heads, cylinders, and sectors per track. See also logical format.

E

ECC – Acronym for error correction code. The recording of extra verifying information encoded along with the disk data. The controller uses the extra information to check for data errors, and corrects the errors when possible.

EMBEDDED SERVO – A timing or location signal placed on the disk’s surface on the tracks that also store data. These signals allow the actuator to fine-tune the position of the read/write heads.

ENCODING – The protocol by which particular data patterns are changed prior to being written on the disk surface as a pattern of On and Off or 1 and 0 signals.

EXTERNAL DRIVE – A drive mounted in an enclosure separate from the PC or computer system enclosure, with its own power supply and fan, and connected to the system by a cable.F

FAT – Acronym for file allocation table. A data table stored on the outer edge of a disk that tells the operating system which sectors are

allocated to each file and in what order.

FCI – Acronym for flux changes per inch. See also BPI.

FILE SERVER – A computer that provides network stations with controlled access to shareable resources. The network operating system is loaded on the file server, and most shareable devices (disk subsystems, printers) are attached to it. The file server controls system security and monitors station-to-station communications. A dedicated file server can be used only as a file server while it is on the network. A non dedicated file server can be used simultaneously as a file server and a workstation.

FLUX DENSITY – The number of magnetic field patterns that can be stored in a given length of disk surface. The number is usually stated as flux changes per inch (FCI), with typical values in the thousands.

FLYING HEIGHT – The distance between the read/write head and the disk surface caused by a cushion of air that keeps the head from contacting the media. Smaller flying heights permit more dense storage of data, but require more precise mechanical designs.

FORMAT – To write onto the disk surface a magnetic track pattern that specifies the locations of the tracks and sectors. This information must exist on a disk before it can store any user data. Formatting erases any previously stored data.

FORMATTED CAPACITY – The amount of room left to store data on the disk after the required space has been used to write sector headers, boundary definitions, and timing information generated by a format operation. All Maxtor drive capacities are expressed in formatted capacity.

FORM FACTOR – The physical outer dimensions of a device as defined by industry standard. For example, most Maxtor disk drives use a 3 1/2-inch form factor.

Maxtor D540X-4G G-3

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Maxtor D540X-4G manual FCI Acronym for flux changes per inch. See also BPI
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D540X-4G specifications

The Maxtor D540X-4G, introduced in the early 2000s, is a notable hard disk drive that carved a niche in the consumer and business storage market. It is part of the D540X series, known for its reliability and substantial storage capacity for its time, boasting an impressive 4GB of storage.

One of the standout features of the D540X-4G is its advanced ATA/100 interface, allowing for a high data transfer rate of up to 100 MB/s. This was a significant leap forward in performance, enabling faster access to data and improved system responsiveness. Unlike older interfaces, the ATA/100 significantly reduced bottlenecks, making it an ideal choice for users who required efficient data management.

The D540X-4G was built on a 5400 RPM spindle speed. While this wasn't as fast as some higher-end drives available at the time, it provided a balance between speed and thermal efficiency. The combination of its rotational speed and data density allowed for a commendable average seek time, which translated into quicker file access for everyday applications, such as word processing and spreadsheet management.

Another commendable attribute of the D540X-4G is its acoustic management technology, which ensured that the drive operated quietly, minimizing distraction in office environments or home setups. This was particularly beneficial for users who needed to maintain a serene working atmosphere.

In terms of durability, the D540X-4G featured a robust design with built-in shock protection. This characteristic offered an additional layer of safety for data integrity, especially vital in portable systems where exposure to movement is frequent. Maxtor also placed a focus on providing error-correction capabilities, which further enhanced data reliability.

The D540X-4G utilized a halogen-free design in its manufacturing process, reflecting an early commitment to environmental considerations, which would become increasingly important in the years to follow.

Overall, the Maxtor D540X-4G hard drive highlighted the advancements in storage technology of the time, combining ample capacity, improved speed, and reliability in a user-friendly package. It appealed to a broad spectrum of users, from everyday home computing to small business applications, making it a valuable player in the computing landscape during its era.
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