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An optical drive is a computer component that reads and writes data from optical discs, such as CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays, using a laser. These drives can be internal or external and are used for tasks like playing music or movies, installing software, or backing up data. Different types exist, including read-only (ROM), write-once (R), and rewritable (RW) versions.

Function and operation

How it works: An optical drive uses a low-power laser to read data encoded as pits and lands on the surface of a disc. For writing, the laser burns marks onto the disc's surface to encode data.

Data storage: The drives are designed for media like CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs, which can store different amounts of data—CDs typically hold around 700 MB, DVDs up to 8.5 GB, and Blu-rays up to 128 GB on a quad-layer disc.

Loading mechanisms: Common mechanisms include tray loading, where a motorized tray holds the disc, and slot loading, where the disc is slid into a slot and rollers pull it in.