What type of storage device typically uses rotating and spinning platters?

A Hard Disk Drive (HDD) is the type of storage device that utilizes rotating and spinning platters to read and write data. Inside an HDD, there are typically one or more circular disks, known as platters, that are coated with a magnetic material. These platters spin at high speeds while an actuator arm with read/write heads moves across their surfaces to access data.

The design of HDDs relies on mechanical movement, making them distinct from other storage types. This mechanical nature allows for large storage capacities at relatively lower costs compared to solid-state technologies. As the platters spin, data is magnetically encoded onto them, allowing for efficient storage and retrieval.

In contrast, flash drives and solid-state drives (SSDs) utilize flash memory technology, which is entirely electronic and does not involve any moving parts. Optical drives read and write data using lasers to etch or read data from discs; they also do not have spinning platters used for data storage like HDDs. Therefore, the use of rotating platters is a definitive characteristic of Hard Disk Drives.