CD ROM
Shiny software carrier
CD-ROM stands for compact disc read-only memory—an optical disc format that stores data readable by computers but cannot be written to.
Dominant in the 1990s for distributing software, games, and encyclopedias, CD-ROMs held about 700 megabytes.
The format has largely been replaced by downloads and streaming, though the term persists in references to that era of computing.
- read-only memoryUnalterable computer storage
- disc driveDevice reading optical media
- jewel caseContainer for precious stones
- storage mediaHardware holding saved data
- optical discLaser-read data storage circle
spinning disc · polycarbonate · scratch resistant · optical drive · educational tools · Encarta · error correction · access time · laser diode · video games · e-books · encyclopedias · interactive learning · file system · acronym · diameter · thickness · shareware
CD ROMCD-RW
Erasable optical storage medium
CD-R · DVD-RW · flash drive · hard drive · magnetic tape
CD ROMBlu-ray
High-definition optical media
SSD · flash drive · DVD · floppy disk · vinyl record
CD ROMcloud storage
Online data preservation service
streaming · digital download · cloud computing · software as a service · Netflix