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How Do SSD Volumes Work and how do you Maintain them for as Long as Possible?

Published

5 years ago

September 19, 2019

Most of the computers are still using hard disk drives, also known as HDD. Traditional storage device like HDD is going to be around us for a longer time. HDD is not going anywhere sooner. The main reason behind the use of HDD is the low price range of this storage option. But we also need to know that Solid State Disk is the future of storage.

Most of the computers are now being introduced with SSD as the main storage option and companies are trying to replace traditional HDD with SSD. Even many users are now upgrading their old HDD for SSD. If you are still stuck with low-speed machines and want to make an upgrade for your system, buying a new SSD can be a good option for your computer speed. This single upgrade in your computer can boost up considerable speed for your computer. Storage media play a crucial role in the performance of the system. SSD is a more efficient and faster option as compared to traditional HDD.

What is SSD?

SSD is the short form for Solid State Disk and it comes as the main storage option in today’s computer. SSD uses a memory chip instead of moving disk and it not only provides better speed but higher transfer rates too. As compared to HDDs, SSDs are way expensive.

There are different architectures in SSD just like and like any software development process; these layers in SSD also improve the quality. Just like hardware development, there are new trends in software industry too like Ruby on Rails software architecture.

Difference between HDD and SSD

Traditional hard disk drives use different magnetic disks to store data and these magnetic disks are known as platters. The head of HDD reads and writes information from these spinning magnetic disks. The arm positions the head at the very exact position on the magnetic disk where the action is to be taken.

The spinning of magnetic disks performs actions at lower speed and SSD does the same task in a different way. Although HDDs are pretty fast options still, today’s computer needed a faster solution for reading and writing data from the storage devices.

But in SSD, the information transferring process doesn’t depend upon any moving components. The data is saved on NAND flash. SSD is a faster option for memory needs an SSD can help to boot the system in a very little time. If traditional HDD requires 35 seconds for the system boot time, SSD can help to reduce the boot time from 35 seconds to 10 seconds.

SSD Prices and Reliable

Although the details about SSD look pretty cool and impressive ye if we only consider the speed of the system, SSD is the better option as compared to traditional HDDs but the prices ranges are too high in the market right now. Only 10% of computers are using SSD as main storage and the remaining are using traditional HDDs to store the data. HDD is available at cheaper rates in the market and many users are not ready to pay hundreds of dollars for SSD.

The reliably of the SSD is the second main issue that is keeping users away from buying. SSD makers are claiming that their products are more reliable than HDDs but we know that it is not true. Eventually, SSD is not a reliable option even in 2019. As you store more and more data on your SSD, it will tend to slow down with the passage of time. Even we have seen many cases where SSDs could not perform write operations due to flash cell issues.

How to Improve the Life of SSD?

SSD is an expensive option so make sure that you use this device as long as possible. If you don’t take good care of SSD, you might face different problems really soon.

Avoid Unnecessary File Writings

If you want to maximize the life span of your SSD, you must consider using it for important copying processes only. Extensive use of SSD can damage the flash cells and you might end up corrupting your device.

Benchmarking

Don’t use harmful software just to measure the transfer speed of SSD. This information can be useful and you can know a lot with these tools but it can reduce the life of your SSD.

Upgrade your Operating System

Windows 10 comes with special features that are developed to support SSD as main storage so upgrade your OS to latest version to improve the working and life of your device.

Blog

Applications of Automation in Research and Clinical Diagnostics

Published

2 months ago

May 18, 2024

Rosario Farell

Precision counts in the fields of science and medicine. This is particularly true for the basic task of counting and analyzing cells, which is used in both clinical and research settings. The introduction of automatic cell counters, which provide efficiency and accuracy that manual approaches cannot match, has resulted in a notable advancement in this field.

What is Automated Cell Counting?

Automated cell counters are advanced instruments that are made to precisely and swiftly count and examine cells. In contrast to manual counting methods that rely on human vision and a microscope, automated counters use software algorithms and image technology to count and analyze cells. This ensures more accurate findings by expediting the procedure and lowering the possibility of human error.

Type of Automated Cell Counters

There are several types of automated cell counters used in research and clinical diagnostics, each employing different technologies and methods for cell counting. The main types of automated cell counters include:

● Image Cytometers: These devices use optical microscopy to statically image cells, which are frequently labeled to detect certain molecules or provide contrast. Cell counting is aided by the automation of image cytometers made possible by digital cameras.

● Flow Cytometers: Use a regulated flow of suspended cells to align individual cells for analysis. Staining cells with fluorochromes enables visual characterization of the cells and facilitates high-throughput analysis.

● Cell Sorters: Arrange cells according to their electrical properties. Sorting is accomplished by dividing the fluid stream containing the cells into droplets whose electrical charge varies according to the kind of cell and guiding them into various containers.

● Time-Lapse Cytometers: Allow for continuous monitoring of cells in an incubator by employing non-heat-generating light sources, such as LEDs, in conjunction with image cytometry to investigate cellular dynamics without causing damage to living cells.

● Hemocytometers: A qualified technician, an optical microscope, and a gridded slide with known volume wells are used in this manual cell counting approach. Up until the 1950s, hemocytometers were the norm for counting cells.

These various types of automated cell counters provide effective and precise methods for cell counting and analysis, each with unique benefits and uses in clinical and research environments.

Research

Automated cell counters have become indispensable tools in understanding cell behavior. They are used in various research fields, including cancer research, drug discovery, and stem cell therapy.

One of the key benefits in research is the ability to handle large volumes of data. For instance, in drug discovery, automated counters can quickly analyze the effects of thousands of compounds on cell growth and death. This high-throughput capability accelerates the pace of research, allowing scientists to screen potential drugs more efficiently than ever before.

Moreover, automated cell counters offer the precision required to detect subtle changes in cell populations. This is crucial in fields like cancer research, where understanding the behavior of cancer cells can lead to the development of more effective treatments.

Clinical Diagnostics

The impact of automated cell counters extends beyond the research laboratory and into clinical diagnostics. In medical laboratories, these devices play a critical role in routine blood tests, infectious disease diagnostics, and monitoring patient health during treatment.

For example, in a routine complete blood count (CBC), automated cell counters can quickly provide a detailed analysis of different blood cell types. This information is vital for diagnosing conditions such as anemia, infections, and blood cancers. The speed and accuracy of automated counters mean that patients can receive diagnoses and begin treatment more swiftly.

In the context of infectious diseases, automated counters can detect and quantify specific pathogens or immune cells, helping to diagnose infections quickly and accurately. During the COVID-19 pandemic, automated cell counting technologies were instrumental in monitoring virus spread and patients’ immune responses, showcasing their value in crisis situations.

Challenges and Future Directions

The initial cost of these devices can be high, and their operation requires specific technical expertise. Additionally, different types of cells and conditions may require customized counting protocols, necessitating ongoing adjustments and updates to software algorithms.

Looking ahead, ongoing advancements in technology promise to further enhance the capabilities of automated cell counters. The global cell counting market growth is anticipated at a CAGR of 7.5% by 2032. Innovations in imaging technology, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are expected to improve accuracy, speed, and the ability to analyze more complex cell characteristics. As these technologies evolve, automated cell counters will become even more integral to research and diagnostics, opening new avenues for scientific discovery and patient care.