1. a part of a larger whole (the CPU and hard drive, for instance, can be referred to as computer components; so can much smaller items including integrated circuits, switches, and extremely small transistors).2. a device that uses a disk to permanently store all computer data within files and folders; these drives spin very fast (up to 7,200 RPM) with data accessible from any place on the drive.3. information processed or stored by a computer; examples include text documents, images, audio clips, and software applications; all kinds of data are stored in files and folders on a computer's hard, DVD, or CD drives. 4. a wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances.