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Optical drives are devices used for reading and writing data onto optical disks, including CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs. As an electronic component, they utilize laser technology to access information stored on these disks. Commonly found in computers and computer accessories such as external drive enclosures, they are also present in some smartphones, albeit less frequently due to the rise of digital storage options. In a broader sense, optical drives can be considered a subset of peripherals, which are devices that connect to a computer to expand its functionality. They serve as a crucial tool for data backup, software installation, and media playback. Despite the growing trend towards cloud-based storage solutions, optical drives continue to hold value in certain applications where physical media is preferred or necessary.