A "drive" refers to a device or medium used for storing and retrieving digital data. Common types of drives include hard disk drives (HDD), solid-state drives (SSD), and USB flash drives. Drives can be internal, located inside a computer, or external, connected via ports like USB. Drives function by using various technologies to read and write data. HDDs use spinning disks and magnetic heads, while SSDs rely on flash memory for faster access. Drives are essential for operating systems, applications, and personal files, making them crucial for both personal and professional computing needs.