magnetic data storage

Magnetic data storage uses tiny magnetic regions on a disk or tape to represent information. These regions are magnetized in different directions to encode bits—0s and 1s—similar to how a compass needle points north or south. When data is written, a magnetic head alters the magnetization of specific areas; when read, another head detects the magnetic orientation to retrieve the information. This technology underpins hard drives and tapes, offering reliable, high-capacity, and relatively inexpensive storage solutions for digital data.