Eanswer: Installing a computer hard drive

For me, choosing the right hard drive was more difficult then installing it. There are a few things to take into consideration when buying a hard drive:

Interface - the three most common types of interfaces are IDE, Serial ATA, and SCSI. The IDE, also known as ATA-100, is a very common format of hard drive and is slightly cheaper and slower than the other two formats. The Serial ATA, or known as S-ATA-150, is newer than the traditional IDE. Finally, the SCSI interface is by far the fastest, most efficient hard drive, but it costs more. The easiest way to know what your computer has is to open it and check your cables.

Spindle Speed (RPM's) - The amount of time it takes for your hard drive to transfer, read, and write information is determined by the Spindle Speed. Look for 7200 RPM at a minimum.

Cache Size - The cache retains recently accessed information to speed up subsequent accesses to the same data. So, naturally the larger cache your hard drive has, the more information it can store on the fly.

Size - When shopping, look for a drive that is AT LEAST 60-80 GB. Larger hard drives are so inexpensive these days that it makes sense to just get a high capacity one.
This guide assumes that will use the same interface type as the previous one. (If it is your first time installing a hard drive, it is much easier to use the same configuration.)

Shut off your machine.
Disconnect all cables.
Open the case.
Touch something metal to release static electricity from your body.
Locate your hard drive.
Unscrew and disconnect your old hard drive(power and IDE cable).
Look at the diagram on the back of the new driver and set the jumper so the drive is configured as a master.
Reconnect and screw the driver in place.
Boot your computer up and follow on screen directions.

This video shows you how to install a master drive and slave drive.