The term "USB CD" most commonly refers to the act of using a CD (Compact Disc) accessed via a device connected to a computer or other device using a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port. This connection is facilitated by an external optical drive, specifically designed to read or write CDs (and often DVDs or Blu-rays), that plugs into a USB port.
Understanding USB and CDs
Traditionally, CD drives were internal components of desktop and some laptop computers. However, with the rise of smaller devices and digital downloads, many modern computers no longer include built-in optical drives.
This is where USB comes in. USB is a standard interface used for connecting various peripheral devices to a computer. An external CD drive is a standalone device that contains the necessary components to read CD discs. It connects to your computer via a USB cable.
As stated in the reference, "External CD or DVD drives are attached using a USB port/cable. So they are also “USB drives”." This clarifies the link between the USB connection and the CD drive.
USB Drives vs. Flash Drives
It's important to note the terminology. While an external CD drive connected via USB is technically a "USB drive" because it uses the USB interface, the term "USB drive" is now very often used interchangeably with “Flash Drive”. This is because Flash Drives plug directly into the USB port without a cable and are a very common type of portable USB storage.
So, while a USB external CD drive is a type of USB drive, when people say "USB drive," they usually mean a Flash Drive unless specified otherwise. "USB CD" helps clarify that the discussion is about accessing CD media via a USB connection.
Why Use a USB CD Drive?
People use external USB CD drives for several reasons:
- Accessing old media: Many software programs, music albums, movies, or personal data are still stored on CDs.
- Installing software: Some software is still distributed on CD.
- Burning discs: To create backups, music CDs, or data discs.
- Laptops without drives: Modern ultrabooks and some laptops lack internal optical drives.
Using a USB external CD drive provides a simple, plug-and-play solution to regain CD functionality on such devices. You simply connect the drive to a free USB port, insert the CD, and your computer can then access its contents.
In summary, "USB CD" primarily refers to the use of a CD disc within an external CD drive that connects to your computer via a USB cable, allowing you to read or write data to the disc.
