ATA (Advanced Technology Attachment) is a standard interface used to connect storage devices like hard drives, solid-state drives (SSDs), and optical drives to a computer’s motherboard. Also known as Parallel ATA (PATA), this standard defines the protocols for transferring data between the computer and the storage device. ATA was widely used in older computers before being largely replaced by SATA (Serial ATA), which offers faster data transfer rates and more streamlined cable management. ATA interfaces allow for both data and power to be supplied through the same connection, facilitating easier installation and use of storage devices.
