CD-ROM

The CD-ROM (an abbreviation for "Compact Disc Read-Only Memory") is a non-volatile optical data storage medium using the same physical format as audio compact discs, readable by a computer with a CD-ROM drive. A CD-ROM is a flat, metallized plastic disc with digital information encoded on it in a spiral from the center to the outside edge. The CD-ROM Yellow Book standard was established in 1985 by Sony and Philips. Microsoft and Apple Computer were early enthusiasts and promoters of CD-ROMs. John Sculley, CEO of Apple at the time, said as early as 1987 that the CD-ROM would revolutionize the use of personal computers.

Data Formats

There are several formats used for CD-ROM data: the Rainbow Books, which include the Green Book, White Book and Yellow Book CD-ROM. ISO 9660 defines the standard file system of a CD-ROM, although it is due to be replaced by ISO 13490. UDF format is used on user-writable CD-R and CD-RW discs that are intended to be extended or overwritten. The bootable CD specification, to make a CD emulate a hard disk or floppy, is called El Torito (apparently named after the restaurant chain).

Related Topics:
Rainbow Books - Green Book - White Book - Yellow Book CD-ROM - ISO 9660 - ISO 13490 - UDF - CD-R - CD-RW - El Torito - Restaurant chain

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Informative CD-ROMs may contain links to webpages with additional information. To keep them up to date these are sometimes indirect: they link to webpages maintained by the producer of the CD-ROM which contain the links to external webpages.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~