CD-ROM stands for Compact Disc Read-Only Memory. It is a type of optical disc that can store data, music, videos, and other types of content. The CD-ROM has a capacity of up to 700 MB, and it is read by a CD-ROM drive.
The functioning of a CD-ROM is relatively simple. The disc has a series of microscopic pits and lands on its surface that are arranged in a spiral track. The CD-ROM drive has a laser that reads the pits and lands and converts the data into digital signals that can be sent to a computer. The laser is directed onto the spinning CD-ROM, and it reads the pits and lands by reflecting the laser light off the disc's surface. The reflected light is then converted into electrical signals that are interpreted by the computer.
CD-ROMs have several uses, including:
Software distribution: CD-ROMs are often used to distribute software because they can store large amounts of data and are relatively cheap to produce.
Multimedia: CD-ROMs can be used to store multimedia content such as music, videos, and games.
Archives: CD-ROMs can be used to store archives of data or historical information.
Education: CD-ROMs can be used as a teaching aid in classrooms to provide interactive learning materials.
Overall, CD-ROMs are a reliable and inexpensive way to store and distribute data, music, videos, and other types of content. They have been largely replaced by USB flash drives and online storage solutions in recent years, but they are still commonly used in some industries and for archival purposes.
