write protect

(storage)

A feature of certain removable media storage devices that tells the system whether or not it should allow the data on the media to be modified. Write protecting an item of media prevents accidental overwriting of valuable data.

For example, the write protect tab on a 3.5-inch floppy disks is a small sliding plastic square that can either cover or expose a hole near the edge of the disk cover. The drive wil only allow the disk to be written to if the hole is closed.

This article is provided by FOLDOC - Free Online Dictionary of Computing (foldoc.org)

write protect

A mode that restricts erasing or editing a disk file. See file protection.

Copyright © 1981-2025 by The Computer Language Company Inc. All Rights reserved. THIS DEFINITION IS FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY. All other reproduction is strictly prohibited without permission from the publisher.

Mentioned in

References in periodicals archive

Write protect all boot disks to prevent a virus from inadvertently being copied to it.

Computer viruses: the risks posed to CPAs and how to deal with them

These Innodisk storage devices offer write protect security features that provide a hardware-based mechanism for data protection, preventing any unauthorized person from modifying data.

Innodisk Announces Storage Series with Built-in Security for Casino Gaming Machines

The CY4616 offers complete hardware and software design materials; a drive capacity up to 128 MB; write protect functionality; and Windows and Macintosh Operating Systems (OS) driver support.

CYPRESS INTROS PORTABLE USB 2.0 FULL-SPEED FLASH DRIVE REFERENCE DESIGN

This 4-NIC slim Mini-ITX embedded motherboard with unique features like the LAN bypass and anti-virus BIOS Write Protect function to provide fault tolerance is ideal for network security appliance applications.

Intel Atom N2800/D2550 "Cedarview" Based Mini-ITX Board with Four Gigabit Ethernet Ports and Bypass Segment

In addition, the controller includes a Write Protect Pin, which offers hardware protection for the data stored on the flash media from any unintentional data overwrites, such as those commonly caused by system viruses.

SST INTRODUCES STAND-ALONE ATA FLASH DISK CONTROLLER

All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional.