What stores all software and files on your computer and reads and writes data onto a spinning magnetic or optical disk?

The hard drive is the component in a computer that stores all software and files and reads and writes data onto a spinning magnetic or optical disk. This storage medium uses magnetic or optical technology to permanently retain data even when the computer is powered off. Hard drives typically operate by spinning the disk, which allows read/write heads to access data stored in different sectors on the disk's surface.

In contrast, solid-state drives (SSDs) use flash memory to store data and do not contain moving parts, hence they are faster and more durable but function differently than traditional hard drives. RAM (Random Access Memory) is a type of volatile memory that temporarily holds data for quick access while the computer is on but does not store data permanently. The motherboard is the main circuit board that connects all components of a computer, including the CPU, RAM, and storage drives, but it itself does not store software or files directly. Hence, the hard drive is specifically designed for the long-term storage of a computer's data and software.