[NTLUG:Discuss] Sticky HD?

[Brian Koontz]

[Non-controversy hat on]

I had to reluctantly shut down one of my Linux boxen after about a month
of continuous up-time.  About 24 hours later, not having touched
anything other than the power switch, one of two IDE drives refused to
stand up and be recognized (a Seagate Medallist).  Listening to the
drive during the boot sequence, it sounded like it would ramp up for a
second or two, then abruptly wind down and then repeat the sequence. 
Figuring I had nothing to lose, I banged on the HD a few times with the
rubber handle of my screwdriver.  Lo and behold, the drive promptly came
to life!

Can I expect future problems from this drive, and if so, any unsavory
things that can be done to keep it running (besides not turning it
off)?  It's not a critical drive, but I'd like to keep it around even if
it means having to slap it around to get going.

  --Brian

P.S.  Special thanks to those folks who made it out to Hillcrest today
for the Linux installation party!