Hard Drive Protection Notebook hard drives fail more often than
any other computer component. Beyond the usual threatscrashes
and destructive virusesare slippery hands, which can lead to
accidental drops. Even when you simply lay your notebook firmly
on your desk or on any other hard surface, the impact can shock
the hard drive in a way that, over time, can do damage. To
combat these hazards, notebook vendors have come up with their
own ways to help keep hard drivesand all the precious
information on themsafe. But these solutions are primarily
implemented on business lines only, not on consumer lines. IBM's
Active Protection System uses a combination of hardware and
software components that works much like the air-bag system in
your car. A motion sensor on the hard drive's circuit board
continuously monitors the notebook for sudden movements. If the
computer is dropped, a series of connectors holds the hard drive
in place, and then small springs drag the read and write heads
into a park position even before t