IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics)

IDE, or Integrated Drive Electronics, is a standard interface used to connect storage devices like hard drives and optical drives to a computer's motherboard. It was common in earlier computers, providing a simple and reliable way to transfer data between the storage device and the computer's processor. IDE interfaces use a 40-pin or 80-pin ribbon cable to connect the drive, which communicates with the computer using a set of protocols. Although newer standards like SATA have replaced IDE, understanding IDE is important for grasping the evolution of computer storage technology.