Do you wish you could store more picture files? Install more of your favorite programs? Keep more of your literary works close at hand? How about all those song files? Not enough hard drive space you say? We need to fix that.

A larger hard drive is what you need. A hard drive, or hard disk as it is sometimes called, is simply a series of several aluminum disks (platters) housed in an airtight metal box. These platters spin at between 5,400 to 10,000 RPM. This hard drive is connected to your computer's motherboard (a.k.a. main board) via a 40-, or 80-, pin 'ribbon' cable used to send/receive data, and a small power cable. Four screws are usually used to mount the hard drive to the computer's framework. And that's it folks. That's all there is to it, mechanically.

Yes. Of course. That is a simplistic description of it. If you're still reading this, I'll bet you might want to step out on that limb and install a BIG one in your machine. You can get them in sizes from 40 GB's (gigabytes) to 300 GBs. (A gigabyte is basically 1,000 megabytes). A good size is between 60 and 80 GBs unless you need to store a massive amount of picture files or music. I'm talking thousands of either here. OK - let's do it.

The large majority of modern hard drives today are of the ULTRA DMA 100 type. If your machine is over four years old it is very likely that it uses ATA technology. Don't let all this scare you. Just look at the book that came with your system to see what hard drive types it supports. Don't have the book? If you have a "name brand" system like COMPAQ or HP you can look up your model number at their website and see what type of hard drive it supports. Got a "white box" (custom built) system? Try calling the shop that built it. Ask them what type hard drive you can install.

Tools you'll need: A number 2 Phillips-head screw driver, wrist strap, your new hard drive. You should read over all instructions you received with your new hard drive to see what steps you are going to undertake. Do NOT be frightened by all this. Keep your reading light. Just concentrate on the steps. Write them down in your own words if necessary.

FIRST: Shut down and power down your system. Remove your case, or case access, by removing screws from the rear of the case. Remember, if you have a "tool less" case, this step will be different. Put on your wrist strap. Read the directions for proper use on the package.

SECOND: Find your current hard drive. Follow the attached ribbon cable (the wide, flat cable with 40 or 80 wires). Does it have a black block of plastic somewhere between the existing hard drive and the main board? Yes? Good. You can attach your new hard drive here. Observe the power plug connected to your present hard drive. Does your system have another one of these "hanging" around in the case? Yes? Good. You can use it to power your new hard drive. Also note the location in the case of your existing hard drive. Is there another place to put your new hard drive right by it? Yes? Good. That's where you're going to put it.

THIRD: You may need to pull out your existing hard drive for this next part. If so, remove the 4 screws on the sides and gently slide it back out of its housing. You might even have to remove the ribbon and power cables. Power cables are notoriously hard to remove. Wiggle it side to side if need be. They are real durable and will take much more abuse than the ribbon cable. Note on your new hard drive instructions that each cable type is keyed to fit only in a certain way. The power cable is in a "D" shape looking straight on at it. The ribbon cable usually has one "blocked off" hole in it or a key slot that matches the key at the back of the drive. Remember this. Look at the back of your existing hard drive. If you have the jumper set on it as the MASTER, you should set your new one to SLAVE. If your existing hard drive is set to CS (cable select), set your new hard drive to CS also. Now, that was simple enough, huh? By the way, a jumper "shorts" (connects) 2 "pins". They pull/push straight out/in. This is pretty straight forward. You won't mess this up. The wrong setting will NOT mess up your system or hard drive. The wrong setting WILL prevent proper operation of your new (and possibly your existing) hard drive. OK. If you took your hard drive out, put it back in, noting its jumper setting as either MASTER or CS.

FOURTH: Try NOT to touch the green (or black) card on the bottom side of the drive. Set the jumper on the rear of your new hard drive to SLAVE or CS as appropriate. Mount it inside your case next to your existing drive - label side up usually (read the instructions). Screw it to the frame, allowing enough room to plug in the ribbon cable and power cable. NOTE: Check that these 2 cables will reach your drive when it is mounted. There will normally be only one spot in the mounting bracket where you can use all 4 screws (2 on each side). Set the drive to this point and attach it with the screws. Do not over tighten. You aren't going to throw it. You just don't want it rattling around in there.

FIFTH: The hard part. Attach the ribbon cable and power cable, remembering to match the keys and key slots. Remember the "D" shape of the power cable? Make sure it is well connected.

FINALLY: With all cables reconnected, close up the case. Refer back to your hard drive's installation instructions for proper partitioning and formatting for your drive.

As with all hardware components, you should read the manufacturer's instructions completely before beginning the installation to get an idea of the steps you'll need to perform and the tools you'll need (usually a number 2 Phillips-head screwdriver and a wrist strap).

Got a question or problem? Ask the forum! Happy Computing.