A disk drive is a device used to read and write data on storage disks, such as hard disk drives (HDD) and solid-state drives (SSD). It allows computers and other devices to store and retrieve information, including files, applications, and operating systems. Disk drives can be internal, located inside the computer, or external, connected via USB or other ports. HDDs use spinning magnetic disks to store data, while SSDs use flash memory for faster access and improved durability. Both types of disk drives are essential for modern computing, enabling users to manage and access their data efficiently.