CD-ROM Full Form In Computer: Complete Info

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Here is a brief note on CD-ROM. Learn all about CD-ROM, including its full form, usage, advantages, disadvantages, and storage capacity.

CDs, or Compact Discs, are optically readable media. They replaced the phonograph disc. CDs are primarily made of plastic, shaped into a circular form. One side of this plastic circle is coated with a reflective metal layer, typically aluminum. There are three main types of CDs: CD-R, CD-ROM, and CD-RW. In this article, we will discuss CD-ROMs in detail.

Table of Contents

What is the full form of CD ROM in a Computer?

CD-ROM stands for “Compact Disc Read-Only Memory.”

In 1982, the standard compact disc (CD) was introduced for digital audio reproduction.

The computer industry began adopting the standard CD in the mid-1980s.

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What is CD-ROM?

A CD-ROM is a type of optical computer storage media.

CD-ROM stands for Compact Disc Read-Only Memory.

This non-erasable, non-writable medium existed long before it became a common fixture in our systems, offering the promise of abundant information.

ROM stands for Read-Only Memory, indicating that the data stored cannot be altered or erased.

Binary (digital) data is encoded in tiny pits on the optical disc.

Laser beams in the Optical Reader read this encoded data.

A CD-ROM can store various types of data, including music files, video files, games, and more.

A low-power laser beam reads the digital data encoded and stored as tiny pits on an optical disk.

The data stored on a CD-ROM can be read only by optical means (through a laser beam).

Why is it called “Read Only”?

Data Rewritability in Conventional Storage: In conventional magnetic storage media (like hard disks or pen drives), data is rewritable. We can delete previously saved data and store new information.

Data Permanence in CD-ROM: In the case of a CD-ROM, we cannot delete the existing data. We have only one chance to write data, which can then be read for a lifetime. Hence, it is called “read-only.”

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History of CD-ROM

The idea of storing information on optical discs was first explored by American researchers like David Paul Gregg and James Russell in the late 1950s and 1960s. Gregg’s work influenced the creation of LaserDiscs, which were developed by MCA and Philips after acquiring Gregg’s patents. The CD-ROM format, as we know it today, was first introduced by a Japanese company called Denon in 1982. Later, in 1985, Sony and Denon showcased CD-ROMs at a major computer show in Japan, making them popular and widely used. The CD-ROM format was standardized by Sony and Philips in 1983, known as the Yellow Book.

CD-ROMs initially found their place in home video game systems with the launch of the TurboGrafx-CD in 1988. By the late 1980s, CD-ROM drives were added to personal computers, and in 1990, Data East demonstrated an arcade system that could use CD-ROMs for games and other data.

Appearance of CD-ROM

Aluminum Layer: A CD-ROM disk contains a thin layer of aluminum.

Polycarbonate Plastic: The disc of a CD-ROM is made up of polycarbonate plastic. Polycarbonate plastic is a group of thermoplastic polymers containing carbonate groups in their chemical structures.

Standard Size: The diameter of a standard CD-ROM is 120 mm.

Capacity of CD-ROM

Standard Storage Capacity: A standard CD-ROM typically has a storage capacity of up to 700 MB (megabytes) of data.

Storage Variations: Some CD-ROMs may have slightly different capacities, but the most common is 700 MB.

Data Types: This capacity allows for the storage of various types of data, including text, images, audio files, video files, software, and games.

Comparison: Compared to other storage media, the capacity of a CD-ROM is modest, making it suitable for smaller data sets.

Usage of CD-ROM

Software Distribution: CD-ROMs are commonly used for distributing software, including operating systems, applications, and games.

Multimedia Storage: They are used to store multimedia content such as audio files, video files, and images.

Data Archiving: CD-ROMs serve as a medium for archiving important data and documents due to their durability and longevity.

Educational Materials: Many educational programs and resources are distributed on CD-ROMs, including e-books, encyclopedias, and interactive learning tools.

Driver Installation: Hardware manufacturers often include drivers and utilities on CD-ROMs that accompany their products.

Backup: Although less common now with the advent of more advanced storage solutions, CD-ROMs have been used for creating backups of critical data.

Media Distribution: Music albums and video collections have been distributed on CD-ROMs, though this has largely been supplanted by DVDs and digital downloads.

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What are the advantages of CD-ROM?

Large Storage Capacity: A single 5-inch CD-ROM can hold up to 650 MB of data, which is significantly more than the original 5.25-inch floppy disk. This high capacity allows for efficient data storage.

Portability: CD-ROMs are portable and easy to carry. You can access data from different computers without any hassle.

Read-Only Format: CD-ROMs are read-only, preventing accidental erasure of programs or files. Once data is written to a CD, it cannot be changed, ensuring data integrity.

Sturdiness: CD-ROMs are durable and resistant to physical damage. Unlike magnetic media (such as floppy disks), they are less susceptible to wear and tear.

Compatibility: CD-ROMs use an industry-standard format, making them compatible with most computers and CD drives.

What are the disadvantages of CD-ROM?

Limited Storage Capacity: CD-ROMs can hold less data compared to modern storage devices. Their smaller space makes them less useful for large files.

Non-Modifiable: Once data is saved on a CD-ROM, it cannot be changed or deleted. This lack of reusability makes them less flexible.

Vulnerability to Damage: CD-ROMs are physically fragile and can be easily scratched or damaged. A scratched surface reduces readability.

Characteristics of CD-ROM

CD-ROMs are crafted from a transparent type of plastic called poly-carbonate, which is covered with a shiny substance and a layer of clear lacquer for protection. They are designed to be read by special CD-ROM Readers, unlike regular readers which can’t access the information on them. With a capacity of about 700 Megabytes, which is like having around 300,000 pages of typewritten text, CD-ROMs can store various types of data like audio, still images, photos, and even moving pictures like animations and full-motion videos.