Is ATA interface backwards compatible?

[VashHT]

So basically I had an old hard drive crap out in a computer at work. It's an old 4200rpm notebook drive with a ATA-5 interface. I tried finding an ATA-5 drive to replace it but they aren't made anymore so no luck. Does anyone know if I would be able to use a ATA-100 drive to replace this one?

 

[RebateMonger]

That'll be fine. The ATA interface has been around for twenty years now and is pretty adaptable.

 

[VashHT]

Cool thanks.