Tape drives are data storage devices that use magnetic tape to record and retrieve digital information. They are commonly used for backup and archiving purposes due to their high capacity and cost-effectiveness. Tape drives can store large amounts of data, making them suitable for businesses that need to keep extensive records over time. Unlike hard drives or solid-state drives, tape drives are sequential access devices, meaning data is read in a linear fashion. This can make accessing specific files slower, but their durability and longevity make them a reliable choice for long-term data storage. Many organizations still rely on tape drives for their data backup and disaster recovery strategies.