A | B | C | CS | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | R | S | SZ | T | U | V | Z
A
Algorithm: A finite, well-defined sequence of steps used to solve a problem or perform a computation.
B
Bad sector: A defective sector on a hard disk. Such sectors are hard or impossible to read and are not suitable for storing data.
Bit: The smallest unit of information handled by a computer.
Byte: A sequence of 8 binary digits.
C
CPU: Central Processing Unit — the primary component that executes instructions.
CS
Interface (connector): The data transfer interface; common types include ATA (PATA), SATA (SATA I/II/III), SCSI, SAS (Serial Attached SCSI), USB, etc.
D
Disk Encryption: Technology that encrypts data on a storage device so that it is unreadable without the proper key.
E
ECC: Error-Correcting Code used to detect and correct data corruption.
F
File system: To store files on a hard drive, the computer needs a file system that records names, locations and structure (similar to a catalog). Each partition has its own allocation table: File Allocation Table (FAT) or Master File Table (MFT). Early PCs used FAT16 under DOS, followed by FAT32 (Windows 95/98). Later, NTFS (New Technology File System) became standard for Windows NT-based systems. Unix/Linux systems use different file systems. NTFS advantages over FAT include support for files larger than 4 GB. Supported file systems include: FAT, exFAT, NTFS, EXT2/3/4, HFS+, UFS1/2, XFS, ReiserFS, VMFS and virtual disk images (VMDK, VHD).
FAT: File Allocation Table — an OS-maintained table tracking where files are stored. Variants include FAT12, FAT16 and FAT32.
Firmware: A small program stored in a device’s ROM that enables the hardware to operate. Manufacturers release updates (firmware updates) to add features or improve stability/performance.
Flash: Flash or NAND flash. Non-volatile memory technology that can be electronically erased and reprogrammed. Used in memory cards, USB flash drives and SSDs.
Formatting: Preparing a storage device’s data area for use by creating the necessary file system structures. Many USB drives and memory cards are factory-formatted for immediate use.
G
GB: Gigabyte: 1 GB = 1,000,000,000 bytes.
H
Hardware: The physical components of a computer, such as graphics card, sound card, motherboard devices (onboard audio, LAN, storage and video controllers), etc.
I
Interface mode: The protocol/standard a device uses on the connector (e.g., AHCI, NVMe).
J
JBOD: “Just a Bunch Of Disks” — multiple disks presented as separate volumes (non-RAID).
K
Kilobyte (KB): 1 KB = 1,000 bytes (decimal) in storage device marketing.
L
Logical sector: The addressable block size the OS uses (commonly 512 bytes or 4096 bytes).
M
MB: Megabyte: 1 MB = 1,000,000 bytes.
MBR: Master Boot Record — bootstrap code and partition table sector read when a disk is attached/booted. Located in the first sector of the disk’s first track; may contain device-specific data.
Memory Stick: A memory card format introduced by Sony in 1998 (variants: Memory Stick, Duo, Pro, HG, Micro).
Memory chip: An electronic component for data storage, used in USB drives, SSDs and memory cards.
Hard disk: A rigid magnetic disk coated with a magnetizable layer (magnetic disk).
Hard Disk Drive (HDD): Stores data on spinning magnetic platters read/written by heads “flying” above the surface. Key specs: capacity, read/write speeds, spindle RPM and interface.
MFT: Master File Table — the primary metadata database used by NTFS to track files and directories.
Monolith: Monolithic flash package where the controller, memory chip(s) and supporting components are in a single encapsulated body (e.g., many microSD cards).
N
NAND flash: See Flash.
NTFS: New Technology File System — Microsoft’s standard file system for Windows NT and later. Adds metadata support and advanced structures, improving speed and reliability over FAT. Supports files larger than 4 GB.
O
Operating system (OS): Core software that manages hardware, file systems and runs applications (e.g., Windows, Linux, UNIX, macOS).
P
PATA: See interface.
Partitioning: Dividing a disk into separate logical parts so the OS exposes multiple drive letters/volumes.
Pen drive: USB flash storage device (USB stick). Capacities range widely; common interfaces include USB 2.0/3.0/3.1. Housings vary (water/splash/impact-resistant, monolith types exist). Uses the standard USB Type-A connector.
PCB: Printed Circuit Board — the board to which electronic components (resistors, capacitors, LEDs, etc.) are soldered.
R
RAID: Redundant Array of Independent (or Inexpensive) Disks — technology to distribute/replicate data across multiple disks as a single logical volume. RAID levels aim to increase data safety and/or throughput.
Source: Wikipedia — http://hu.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAID
S
SATA: See interface.
SD card: Secure Digital card — a widely used memory card in cameras and camcorders. Speed classes (Class 2/4/6/8/10, etc.) indicate minimum write/read speeds in MB/s.
S.M.A.R.T.: Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology — monitors HDD health and collects statistics.
SSD: Solid State Drive — storage with no moving parts. Typically uses PATA/SATA/NVMe interfaces. Quieter, more shock-resistant and offers faster, consistent access than HDDs.
SZ
Sector: Also called a block. Disks are divided into sections for storage; each sector has an identifier. A sector is typically 512 bytes (or 4096 bytes on advanced format drives).
T
TB: Terabyte: 1 TB = 1,000,000,000,000 bytes.
U
USB: Universal Serial Bus — a standard serial data interface.
USB flash drive: See: Pen drive.
V
Controller chip: In the context of data recovery, the logic used in pen drives, SSDs and memory cards to manage communication between the interface and memory chips and to handle data transfer both ways.
Z
Zip drive: A removable magnetic storage drive popularized in 1994 with 100/250/750 MB media. Adoption was limited by cost and lack of compatibility with 3.5″ floppy disks; used mainly by small businesses for daily archiving.