I/O operations, or Input/Output operations, refer to the processes that allow a computer to communicate with the outside world. This includes reading data from devices like hard drives, keyboards, and mice, as well as sending data to devices such as monitors and printers. These operations are essential for user interaction and data processing. In computing, I/O operations can be categorized into two types: input operations, which involve receiving data, and output operations, which involve sending data out. Efficient I/O operations are crucial for system performance, as they directly affect how quickly a computer can process and respond to user commands.