If you have a computer, you surely know what a hard drive is. If you don't have one, or simply don't know what a hard drive is, then this article will begin with a short description of hard drive. Then we will cover formating a hard drive...

A hard disk drive in computing is a type of storage device made up of hard disk platters, a spindle, read and write heads read and write arms, electrical motors, and integrated electronics contained inside an airtight enclosure.

Now you know what hard drive is. Let's stick to point and start with information on title of this article. How to format a hard disk drive....

First of all, you should have a reason if you really want to learn how to format a hard drive. But don't forget that formating a hard drive does NOT permanently delete your data!

Of course, when you format your hard drive you think that data is really deleted, but that is not case.

The fact is that data you have "deleted" can be restored. Nonetheless, you should not experiment with formatting a hard drive because you never know what may happen. Of course, it also depends on software you use, for example, there are such products that will permanently delete data you want and then you can continue process of how to format a hard drive.

In fact there is nothing so difficult in it. You first need to decide what operating system you intend to load after formating a hard drive.

It is best and easiest to use a boot disk for that Operating System, such as MS Dos6.2 or Windows95b or Windows98SE. You will need proper Windows95/98 boot disk in order to load these operating systems on computer, else it will reject loading due to wrong Operating System on computer.

Then you will have to insert your boot disk in floppy drive and start computer.

Once system has completed booting and an A: prompt appears. You will need to type format C: /s and then press Enter. The function of this command is to tell system to format your "C" drive and when it is finished to copy system files to drive.

There are a few more laptop accessories you may want to consider to make package complete.

1: Laptop Case / Bag

As newest member of mobile computing force, you're required to take an oath of safe computing.

And that starts with investing in most important of laptop accessories - a laptop bag. You can't very well go traipsing around world with your laptop exposed to elements.

When it comes to laptop bags, you can spend $25 for a small case made from less expensive materials on up to several hundred dollars for one made of top-grain cowhide.

However, in end, most important consideration is whether your case can hold your laptop, plus all other goodies that go with it (like ones described here).

2: Software

Did your laptop come with software? If so, did it come with right software - software you actually need to perform whatever tasks you need to perform?

Don't just assume you have everything you need. You'll probably need to add some software, as well as go online to update software that was included.

3: A Real USB Mouse

Trackpads and eraser nubs that fill an obvious need. However, given option, most people would rather user a real mouse.

If you stop and think for a moment, you're likely to realize that many places where you'll be computing actually are suitable for a real mouse.

So one of most useful laptop accessories you can buy is a USB mouse, keep it in your bag, and use it whenever you're able.

4: A Cat5 Ethernet Cable

Your built-in Ethernet port won't do you much good if you get to your hotel room, discover an Ethernet connection, and don't have a cable. Some hotels provide them; others don't. Always come prepared with right cable.

5: A Standard Telephone Cable

The same holds true for your modem connection. If you don't have a cable to get you from your computer to phone jack, you're not going anywhere in cyberspace.