Optical drives are devices that read and write data from optical discs, such as CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs. They use laser technology to scan the surface of these discs, allowing users to access music, movies, software, and other types of data stored on them. Optical drives can be found in computers, gaming consoles, and standalone players. These drives come in various formats, including internal and external models. Internal drives are built into the computer, while external drives connect via USB or other ports. Although digital downloads and streaming services are becoming more popular, optical drives remain useful for accessing physical media and backing up data.