(HDD) [Hard Disk Drive] Computer equipment to store large amounts of data on rapidly rotating platters with magnetic surfaces.

(EDP) The term electronic data processing describes the automated processing of commercial data by computer systems.

See also Boot Terminal, Anticoincidence, Electronic Noise, Impedance Matching, Demodulator, and Hard Disk.

This term usually refers to the storage of patient data and images. Images are best archived in digital form (e.g., on optical disks, DVDs, PACS systems) and not only on films (hard copies, prints). Data compression via a reduction in matrix size, pixel depth or CT numbers, will result in a loss of spatial and contrast resolution. Digital images should be converted into a universal format such as DICOM. Raw data saving is necessary when additional image reconstructions are required.

See also Picture Archiving and Communication System, and Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine.

[Computer Hardware] Usually describes the physical components needed for data processing, e.g. monitor, computer keyboard, recording disk, central processing unit, etc.

See also Software.