magnetic disk

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magnetic disk Plastic disk coated with magnetic material and used for storing computer programs and data (information) as a series of magnetic spots. Most computers contain a hard disk unit for general storage. Hard magnetic disks can store larger amounts of data and come in cartridges that slot into a special drive unit. Computers also often have a disk drive for inserting portable, lower-capacity compact discs or floppy disks. Data is stored magnetically on both sides of a floppy disk, and is read by magnetic heads in the computer as the disk rotates. See also CD-ROM

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