Disk Drive

A disk drive is a device that reads and/or writes data to a disk. The most common type of disk drive is a hard drive (or "hard drive"), but several other types of disk drives exist as well. Some examples include removable storage devices, floppy drives, and optical drives, which read optical media, such as CDs and DVDs.

While there are multiple types of disk drives, they all work in a similar fashion. Each drive operates by spinning a disk and reading data from it using a small component called a drive head. Hard drives and removable disk drives use a magnetic head, while optical drives use a laser. CD and DVD burners include a high-powered laser that can imprint data onto discs.

Since hard drives are now available in such large capacities, there is little need for removable disk drives. Instead of expanding a system's storage capacity with removable media, most people now use external hard drives instead. While CD and DVD drives are still common, they have become less used since software, movies, and music can now often be downloaded from the Internet. Therefore, internal hard drives and external hard drives are the most common types of disk drives used today.

Updated September 14, 2010 by Per C.

quizTest Your Knowledge

DMA stands for Direct ____ Access?

A
Media
0%
B
Memory
0%
C
Mainframe
0%
D
Microphone
0%
Correct! Incorrect!     View the DMA definition.
More Quizzes →

The Tech Terms Computer Dictionary

The definition of Disk Drive on this page is an original definition written by the TechTerms.com team. If you would like to reference this page or cite this definition, please use the green citation links above.

The goal of TechTerms.com is to explain computer terminology in a way that is easy to understand. We strive for simplicity and accuracy with every definition we publish. If you have feedback about this definition or would like to suggest a new technical term, please contact us.

Sign up for the free TechTerms Newsletter

How often would you like to receive an email?

You can unsubscribe or change your frequency setting at any time using the links available in each email.

Questions? Please contact us.