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.

Manufacture

CD-ROMs are always pressed (mass-produced), whereas CD-Rs are recorded one at a time. The contents of a CD-R may be in logical CD-ROM format (Yellow Book) but the disc itself is physically a CD-R (Orange Book).

Related Topics:
Yellow Book - Orange Book

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Source: Dana J. Parker, author of The CD-Recordable Handbook. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0910965188/qid=1111091690/sr=1-2/ref=sr_1_2/103-7169860-7230214?v=glance&s=books

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