CD-ROM

A CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory) is a data storage device that can hold up to 650 M of information. Currently, CD-ROMs are used as a read-only distribution method for software; however, re-writable CD's are soon to be available.

URLs:

CD-ROM FAQ

Frequently asked questions about CD-ROMs

CD-ROM Information Web Site

This is a resource for information about CD-ROM drives, Network Retrieval systems, CD-R devices, Network CD-R systems, and software.

W3E References:

KBps

Print References:

Make Your CD-ROM Work! Bob Levitus and Ed Tittel. 1996. ISBN:0-679-76965-X

An excellent reference for troubleshooting CD-ROM drives and CD-ROM based software for both DOS/Windows and Macintosh computers.

Detail:

A CD-ROM drive is the disk device which reads the data on a CD-ROM disc. Using a low energy laser, the drive reads the information on a disc and sends it to the CPU for processing. Drives are rated by their transfer rate and seek time. The transfer rate is measured in KBps, usually for each spin speed of the drive it has a transfer rate of 150 KBps (e.g., a triple spin has a rate of 450 KBps.) The seek time, measured in milliseconds (ms), is the average length of time needed by the drive to find data.

For an example of a CD-ROM disc, look at the one in your CD-ROM drive now, this encyclopedia is printed on a CD-ROM disc.