IDE cables, or Integrated Drive Electronics cables, are used to connect storage devices like hard drives and CD/DVD drives to a computer's motherboard. They typically have a flat, ribbon-like design and can carry data between the devices and the computer. IDE cables usually come in a 40-pin or 80-pin configuration, with the latter allowing for faster data transfer rates. These cables are essential for the operation of older computer systems, as they enable communication between the storage devices and the computer. While newer technologies like SATA cables have largely replaced IDE cables in modern computers, they are still found in some legacy systems and older hardware setups.