CD-ROM

Shiny data platter

CD-ROM stands for compact disc read-only memory—an optical disc format that stores digital data readable by a computer but not writable by the user.

CD-ROMs dominated software distribution and multimedia in the 1990s before being largely supplanted by DVDs and internet downloads.

The encyclopedia came on twelve CD-ROMs.

obsolete

floppy

Lacking rigidity, bending easily

  • VHSAnalog tape format
  • cassetteMagnetic audio cartridge
  • dial-upPhone-line internet connection

MiniDisc · LaserDisc · DVD · Blu-ray · diskette · shareware · shovelware · AOL · Encarta · legacy

physical

disc

Flat circular object

  • spindleRotating rod for thread
  • trayShallow portable platform
  • labelIdentifying attachment or marker

scratch · polycarbonate · reflective · pit · land · spiral · diameter · surface · sleeve · caddy

technology

disc

Flat circular object

  • driveOperate a vehicle
  • readerOne who peruses text
  • burnerHeat-producing device component

software · data · computer · hardware · interface · install · autorun · driver · executable · application

storage

capacity

Maximum amount containable

read-only · memory · media · ISO · sector · track · filesystem · archive · repository · collection

Categories
Opposites
writability

CD-ROMCD-RW

Erasable optical storage medium

CD-R · DVD-RW · flash drive · hard drive · DVD+RW

storage medium type

CD-ROMcloud storage

Online data preservation service

streaming · digital download · RAM · solid-state drive · flash memory

technological era

CD-ROMstreaming service

Internet media delivery platform

digital distribution · cloud computing · download · software as a service · app store

Family

compact, CD, cd, ROM, CD player, DVD-ROM, disc drive

Familiarity
Top 100,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G