Question : Problem: 160gb hard drive only shows as 149gb why?

I have a 160gb wd hard drive on my system which is operated by WindowsXp Sp2, when I check its properties or go to disk maintanance to check it, it only shows as have 149gb why would this be the case, and can this other 11gb be reclaimed in any way.

Answer : Problem: 160gb hard drive only shows as 149gb why?

Welcome to the wonderful world of marketing.

Computers calculate gigabytes based on 2 to the power of 30 - 2^30 = 1,073,741,824

Manufacturers call 1 GB = 1,000,000,000.

So if you divide a computer's concept of 1 GB (1,073,741,824) by the manufacturer's claim  (160,000,000,000) you get 149 GB.

Why do they do this?  Simple - what sounds better "Get this 149 GB hard drive for $60" or "get this 160 GB Hard drive for $60"?