Introduction
Hard Disk
A hard disk is a very effective device for storing information. Modern hard
disks feature huge volumes of stored information, very high recording densi-
ties, and very high access speed to retrieve stored information.
A hard disk is usually an extremely reliable device. One of its parameters –
non-failure operating time – may reach 20,000 to 500,000 hours.
This does not mean, however, that storing information on hard disks is 100%
error-free. Information on hard disks maybe threatened by a number of fac-
tors every user should be aware of.
Hard Disks Utility Programs
There are program tools that allow a user to inspect various computer sys-
tems, including disk subsystem. Disk managers included in these tools, are
capable of defragmenting hard disks, finding and correcting files and folders
structure imperfections, as well as finding and marking bad sectors. Special
utilities are capable of finding and destroying computer viruses that threaten
your information integrity.
In some cases a user will require a much more powerful set of tools, known
as a disk editor, to repair their hard disk drive. The Acronis DiskEditor is ex-
actly the software for this job.
Acronis DiskEditor is a professional-grade program that performs a variety of
actions on a hard disk: to restore boot records and files and folders struc-
ture, to find lost clusters, remove computer virus code from a disk, and much
more.
This program has much to offer a beginner as well. It can be used in an edu-
cational setting. It is one thing to read a few books about hard disk construc-
tion and data storage, and it’s quite another to observe it yourself with the
Acronis DiskEditor.
About this Guide
A hard disk is a rather complex information storage device. One should have
the base knowledge of hard disks and their interaction with the computer to
work effectively on them using the Acronis DiskEditor program. If you are
ready to work on a hard disk with a disk editor, it is necessary to remember
that mistakes can cause sever problems: you could violate the disk’s informa-
tion integrity, not only making any data inaccessible, but also unservicable.
4 Introduction
