An Optical Drive, in the computer world, refers to lasers, which can see and read data on optical discs. These discs include CDs and DVDs, which are made up of millions of small bumps and dips. Optical drives have lasers that read these bumps and dips as ones and zeros, which the computer can understand. Some common types of optical drives include CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD±RW, and Blu-ray drives. CD and DVD writers, such as CD-R and DVD-R drives use a laser to both read and write data on the discs. The laser used for writing the data is much more powerful than the laser that reads the data, as it burns the bumps and dips into the disc. While optical drives can spin discs at very high speeds, they are still significantly slower than hard drives. However, because optical media is inexpensive and removable, it is the most common format used for distributing computer software.
Top Reasons To Wipe Away Your Internet History
- Information about all the sites you have visited is stored on your computer!
- Every image you have ever viewed, sent or received over the Internet is stored on your hard drive!
- There is a record of every program that you have ever downloaded or used on your hard drive!
- The windows delete button and the empty recycle bin option does NOT completely delete your files!
- Cleaning your History Files improves the speed of your computer and frees valuable disk space!
Return Back To Computer Glossary
Feel Free To Bookmark, Share Or Print This Page:  |
 |
