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Hard disk drive $($HDD$)$

Solid state drive $($SSD$)$

Optical disc drive

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A thick magnetic disk made of aluminum platters. Uses read$/$write heads to access data stored on the platters.

A flash device with storage capacity similar to a small hard drive.

Uses lasers to read and write information stored in the form of pits in their reflective coating.

Up to several TB in storage capacity and cost per MB is cheap.

Faster than other devices. No moving parts. Last longer than other storage devices.

Ideal for music and video. Portable and cheap with a long shelf life.