What is generally true about hardware acquisition tools?

Hardware acquisition tools are specifically designed for the purpose of acquiring data from storage devices, such as hard drives or solid-state drives, in a manner that preserves the integrity of the original data. This is often achieved through creating a bit-by-bit copy or forensic image of the device being examined. While they may have some software capabilities to assist in the acquisition process, their primary function is indeed to facilitate data acquisition, making option B the correct choice.

By focusing solely on acquisition, these tools are optimized for ensuring that the data gathered can be reliably used in investigations or legal proceedings, adhering to forensic best practices. Other functions, such as analysis, typically require different types of software tools that are designed to scrutinize the data after it has been acquired.