Tell me more ×
Unix & Linux Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for users of Linux, FreeBSD and other Un*x-like operating systems.. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 2 down vote favorite

In Unix/Linux terminology, are the words 'device' and 'drive' synonymous?

share|improve this question

1 Answer

up vote 4 down vote accepted

No. Drives are devices, but not all devices are drives.

The Wikipedia article on device files lists a number of non-drive devices. For example, audio hardware is a device. Serial & parallel ports are devices. USB-connected gadgets are devices.

Keep in mind that some devices that are not drives may identify as such, a noteworthy example is most Android devices that identify as a drive but use a mechanism other than a drive unless it is mounted as USB storage.

share|improve this answer
thanks. what are some devices that are not drives, for example? – amphibient Oct 11 '12 at 18:51
but USB-connected gadgets are also drives, no? – amphibient Oct 11 '12 at 19:04
1  
@foampile, not if they're mice or keyboards or missile launchers or ... – cjm Oct 11 '12 at 19:06
oops, i meant USB thumb drives, cameras etc. – amphibient Oct 11 '12 at 19:07
@foampile: "dumb" thumb drives usually present only a storage interface, but cameras could present other types of interface (light sensor, specialized i/o interface for software to control the camera, ...). Same thing with MP3 players, phones, ... – Mat Oct 11 '12 at 19:23
show 1 more comment

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.