🚀 go-pugleaf

dadiOH wrote:
> Kenneth wrote:
>> Tony <Tony@TheDeli.Sandwich> wrote:
>>
>>> Next time do a low level format when you format the hard drive.
>>> Get a hard drive with a guarantee longer than one year maybe
>>> seagate.
>>
>> The switch of brands may be a fine idea, but it is my
>> understanding that modern disks cannot be "low level
>> formatted" by the end user.
>>
>> Am I wrong about that?
> 
> Yes.  But for all practical purposes, no.
> 
> "Low level formatting" involves writing track/sector data to the
> drive along with other data and a byte pattern.  It was normally
> done (via DOS) with 5 1/4" floppies, maybe with the little
> floppies too, but took a long time even when disk capacity was 80
> KB.  Given the size of hard drives it would take bloody forever
> now even allowing for the vastly greater CPU and drive speed.

No, it is impossible.  Low level format requires various precise
(and expensive) equipment that the end user does not have.  They
place guiding tracks on dedicated cylinders, which in turn control
head positioning.

-- 
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, Happy New Year
        Joyeux Noel, Bonne Annee.
Chuck F (cbfalconer at maineline dot net)
     <http://cbfalconer.home.att.net>



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