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(′ak′ses ′ärm)

(computer science) The mechanical device which positions the read/write head on a magnetic storage unit.


 
 

The mechanical arm that moves the read/write head across the surface of a disk similar to a tone arm on a phonograph. The access arm is directed by instructions in the operating system to move the read/write head to a specific track on the disk. The rotation of the disk positions the read/write head over the required sector. The access arm is also called an "actuator arm," because the actuator is the motor and mechanism that moves the arm. See read/write head.



 
 

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Sci-Tech Dictionary. McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms. Copyright © 2003, 1994, 1989, 1984, 1978, 1976, 1974 by McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.  Read more
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