Hard disk storage capacity is an important concept for storage systems. Behind it is the full volume of the drive. Two methods of its calculation have gained distribution now. They give different results, and this is not well-versed in the issue of users is misleading.
What is the problem?
A person processes information in a decimal number system. This has historically happened, and no one wants to refuse it. It’s more convenient for us. It consists of numbers from 0 to 9 (some people count from 1 to 10, but this does not change the essence). But the computer processes the data in a binary system. It is based on 0 (no signal) and 1 (voltage present). So it turns out that the information capacity of the hard drive can be determined by binary or decimal calculus. In this case, one important point must be taken into account. In the first of them, 1 kilobyte is 2 10 , or 1024 bytes. This value is used by programmers, and so all the Windows operating systems determine the amount of information today. But in the second case, this value will be equal to 10 3 , or 1000 bytes. This is the opinion of people and drive manufacturers. As it is easy to understand, a person can buy a hard drive with some characteristics, and the Windows OS will show him a little different information. In this case, the information capacity of the hard drive for the binary system will be less, and for the decimal - more. But the amount of information stored remains unchanged. Determining in this case is how to count.
Recount
We will make a calculation using the example of a 500 GB drive (according to the manufacturer) and determine the percentage of losses. First, let’s clarify that the prefix "gig" in the decimal system means 10 9 , and in the binary - 2 30 . First, multiply 500 GB by 10 9 . This will get the size in bytes. To go to the binary system, you need to divide the resulting value 500 x 10 9 by 2 30 , and we get 465 GB. This will be the information capacity of the hard drive in the new system. Next, we determine the percentage of losses in the transition between them. To do this, subtract 465 GB from 500 GB and divide the resulting value by 500 GB. As a result, we get 0.07. If we multiply this value by 100, we will find out the difference in percentage. It will be 7%.
So it turns out that the volume of the drive that the Windows OS will show decreases immediately by the value obtained. Well, if a person understands and understands this. But there are other cases when an offended customer comes to the store and begins to sort things out. At the same time, the seller is accused of selling a “clipped” drive. The client does not understand that the maximum capacity of a hard disk is a constant value in fact. But its value may vary depending on the method of calculation. And the difference between them is 7% regardless of volume. This statement is true for all storage devices, including flash drives, floppy disks, and CDs.
Conclusion
The full capacity of the hard disk drive is a key parameter that customers pay attention to before purchasing. But at the same time, few people think that its value will be less than 7% in the Windows OS. But this must be taken into account and take the device with a certain margin, so as not to buy a second drive.