CD-ROMs

Nineties software media

CD-ROMs is the plural of CD-ROM, which stands for Compact Disc Read-Only Memory.

These optical discs were a dominant storage medium from the late 1980s through the early 2000s, used for distributing software, games, encyclopedias, and multimedia content.

Unlike writable discs, CD-ROMs came with data permanently pressed into them at the factory.

I still have a box of old CD-ROMs in my closet.

The format has largely been supplanted by downloads and streaming.

software

installer

One who sets up

setup wizardGuided configuration assistant
autorunAutomatic program launch
multimediaCombined content formats

encyclopedia · Encarta · Britannica · interactive · demo disc · shareware · freeware · clip art · game disc · educational software

technology

optical disc

Laser-read data storage circle

laserConcentrated light device
data storageRetaining digital information
read-onlyViewable but not changeable

polycarbonate · pits · lands · infrared · disc drive · burn · rip · disc image · sector · session

media

jewel case

Container for precious stones

sleeveGarment's arm portion
spindleRotating rod for thread
liner notesAlbum's accompanying text

cover art · booklet · digipak · paper sleeve · scratches · fingerprints · resurfacing

hardware

disc drive

Device reading optical media

trayShallow portable platform
spindleRotating rod for thread
caddyTea tin or course aide

IDE · SCSI · lens · eject button · autoplay · mount · unmount · disc changer · jukebox · portable drive

era

1990s

Final twentieth-century decade

sharewareTrial-based commercial software
Windows 951995 PC platform
dial-upPhone-line internet connection

coasters · bundled software · obsolescence · nostalgia · physical media

CD-ROMs

installer

optical disc

jewel case

disc drive

1990s

CD-ROMs

Opposites

Categories

Family