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Types of Computer Drives

Disk drive (drive) – a computer device that stores and retrieves information, data, files, programs, etc., from a disk. The drive is often referred to by its letter (your drive letter may differ).

• A hard disk drive (hard disk or fixed disk) is usually designated as the “C: drive”. The hard disk drive is the main data storage hardware device in a computer that can provide quick access to large amounts of data. Find more information about computer hardware.

• A CD/DVD drive is usually designated as the “D: or G: drive”.

• A network drive is usually designated as the “U: drive”.

• A removable disk (USB) is usually designated as the “H: drive” or “K: drive”.
  • A USB flash drive is a small portable external device used for data storage.
  • The most common use for external drives (USB) is for backup purposes or to transfer files from one computer to another.
    

Pointing Actions

Pointing device – a device used to control the movement of the pointer (cursor) on the screen.

The major pointing devices in use today are the:

• mouse (desktop computer)

• touchpad (laptop)

• touch screen

Basic pointing actions (use a mouse or trackpad/touchpad)

• Point and click – point an object on the screen and then press the left button on the mouse (or tap on the trackpad) to select items/commands, open menus/hyperlinks (links), or close windows.
• Double-click – quickly click the left mouse button twice (or double tap on the trackpad) on any folder, file, or program to open it.
• Drag and drop – press and hold the left mouse button to grab an item (or double tap on the trackpad) and place it to a different location.

Example: drag the selected text to the new location.

• Right-click – press the right mouse button (or tap two fingers anywhere on the trackpad) to display a popup menu showing commands for a selected item.