What exactly is IDE?

[Garfield]

Can somebody expand on this meaning? I'm not too familiar with this and I'm in the market to put another hard drive in my computer. Thanks...

--Garfield

[Jon]

IDE = Integrated Device Electronics.

Basically describes the attachment form for the most common hard drives in today's PCs. IDE and ATA (AT Attachment) are one of the same.

ATA/IDE attachments are connected by a 40 or 80 pin ribbon cable, depending on the ATA rating of the drive and controller.

[Garfield]

Thanks!