IT TOOLS REPORTING (MODULE 9)
NARRATIVE:
Reporter: Frenzua T. Avellanoza
Optical Discs
An optical disc is a type of optical storage media that consists of a flat, round, portable disc made of
metal, plastic, and lacquer. These discs usually are 4.75 inches in diameter and less than one-twentieth of
an inch thick.
Optical discs primarily store software, data, digital photos, movies, and music. Some optical disc formats
are read only, meaning users cannot write (save) on the media. Others are read/write, which allows users
to save on the disc just as they save on a hard disk.
Nearly every personal computer today includes some type of optical disc drive installed in a drive bay.
On some, you push a button to slide out a tray, insert the disc, and then push the same button to close the
tray; others are slot loaded, which means you insert the disc in a narrow opening on the drive.
CDs
A CD-ROM, or compact disc read-only memory, is a type of optical disc that users can read but not
write (record) or erase — hence, the name read-only. Manufacturers write the contents of standard CD-
ROMs. A standard CD-ROM is called a single-session disc because manufacturers write all items on the
disc at one time. Software manufacturers often distribute programs using CD-ROMs.
A typical CD-ROM holds from 650 MB to 1 GB of data, instructions, and information. To read a CD-
ROM, insert the disc in a CD-ROM drive or a CD-ROM player. Because audio CDs and CD-ROMs use
the same laser technology, you may be able to use a CD-ROM drive to listen to an audio CD while using
the computer.
CD-Rs and CD-RWs
Unlike standard CD-ROM drives, users record, or write, their own data on a disc with a CD-R or CD-RW
drive. The process of writing on an optical disc is called burning.
A CD-R (compact disc-recordable) is a multisession optical disc on which users can write, but not erase,
their own items such as text, graphics, and audio. Multisession means you can write on part of the disc at
one time and another part at a later time. Each part of a CD-R can be written on only one time, and the
disc’s contents cannot be erased.
A CD-RW (compact disc-rewritable) is an erasable multisession disc you can write on multiple times.
To write on a CD-RW disc, you must have CD-RW software and a CD-RW drive. A popular use of CD-
RW and CD-R discs is to create audio CDs. For example, users can record their own music and save it on
a CD, purchase and download songs from the Web, or rearrange tracks on a purchased music CD. The
process of copying audio and/or video data from a purchased disc and saving it on digital media is called
ripping.
DVDs and Blu-ray Discs
Although the size and shape of a CD and DVD are similar, a DVD stores data, instructions, and
information in a slightly different manner and thus achieves a higher storage capacity. DVD quality also
far surpasses that of CDs because images are stored at higher resolution.
A DVD-ROM (digital versatile disc-read-only memory or digital video disc-read-only memory) is a
high-capacity optical disc on which users can read but not write or erase. Manufacturers write the
contents of DVD-ROMs and distribute them to consumers. DVD-ROMs store movies, music, huge
databases, and complex software.
To read a DVD-ROM, you need a DVD-ROM drive or DVD player. Most DVD-ROM drives also can
read audio CDs, CD ROMs, CD-Rs, and CD-RWs. Some drives, called DVD/CD-RW drives, are
combination drives that read and write DVD and CD media. Many of today’s computers include these
combination drives.
A newer, more expensive DVD format is Blu-ray, which is a higher capacity and better quality than
standard DVDs, especially for high-definition audio and video. A Blu-ray Disc (BD) has storage
capacities of 100 GB, with expectations of exceeding 200 GB in the future. Blu-ray Disc drives and
players are backward compatible with DVD and CD formats. Another high-density format, called HD
VMD (Versatile Multilayer Disc) potentially will contain up to 20 layers, each with a capacity of 5 GB.
Current HD VMDs have capacities of 40 GB and more.
A mini-DVD that has grown in popularity is the UMD, which works specifically with the PlayStation
Portable (PSP) handheld game console. The UMD (Universal Media Disc), which has a diameter of about
2.4 inches, can store up to 1.8 GB of games, movies, or music. Similarly, the mini Blu-ray Disc, which is
used primarily in digital video recorders, stores approximately 7.5 GB.
Rewritable DVD drives usually can read a variety of DVD and CD media. Before investing in equipment,
check to be sure it is compatible with the media on which you intend to record.
Other Types of Storage
Tape
One of the first storage media used with mainframe computers was tape. Tape is a magnetically coated
ribbon of plastic capable of storing large amounts of data and information at a low cost.
Tape no longer is used as a primary method of storage. Instead, business users utilize tape most often for
long-term storage and backup.
A tape drive reads and writes data and information on a tape. Although older computers used reel-to-reel
tape drives, today’s tape drives use tape cartridges. A tape cartridge is a small, rectangular, plastic housing
for tape. Tape cartridges that contain quarter-inch wide tape are slightly larger than audiocassette tapes.
Magnetic Stripe Cards and Smart Cards
A magnetic stripe card is a credit card, entertainment card, bank card, or other similar card, with a stripe
that contains information identifying you and the card. Information stored in the stripe includes your
name, account number, and the card's expiration date. A magnetic stripe card reader reads information
stored on the stripe.
A smart card, which is similar in size to a credit card or ATM card, stores data on a thin microprocessor
embedded in the card. Smart cards contain a processor and have input, process, output, and storage
capabilities. When you insert the smart card in a specialized card reader, the information on the smart card
is read and, if necessary, updated. Uses of smart cards include storing medical records, vaccination data,
and other health care or identification information; tracking information, such as customer purchases or
employee attendance; storing a prepaid amount of money, such as for student purchases on campus; and
authenticating users, such as for Internet purchases or building access. In addition, a smart card can
double as an ID card.
Microfilm and Microfiche
Microfilm and microfiche store microscopic images of documents on roll or sheet film. Microfilm is a
100- to 215-foot roll of film. Microfiche is a small sheet of film, usually about 4 3 6 inches. A computer
output microfilm recorder is the device that records the images on the film. The stored images are so
small that you can read them only with a microfilm or microfiche reader.
Microfilm and microfiche use is widespread, with many companies allowing you to search through and
view microfilm images online. Libraries use these media to store back issues of newspapers, magazines,
and genealogy records. Some large organizations use microfilm and micro fiche to archive inactive files.
Some banks use them to store transactions and canceled checks. The U.S. Army uses them to store
personnel records.
The use of microfilm and microfiche provides a number of advantages. They greatly reduce the amount of
paper firms must handle. They are inexpensive and have the longest life of any storage media.
Enterprise Storage
Enterprises use computers and computer networks to manage and store huge volumes of data and
information about customers, suppliers, and employees.
To meet their large-scale needs, enterprises use special hardware geared for heavy use, maximum
availability, and maximum efficiency. One or more servers on the network have the sole purpose of
providing storage to connected users. For high-speed storage access, entire networks are dedicated
exclusively to connecting devices that provide storage to other servers. In an enterprise, some storage
systems can provide more than 185 TB of storage capacity. Optical disc servers hold hundreds of optical
discs. An enterprise’s storage needs usually grow daily. Thus, the storage solutions an enterprise chooses
must be able to store its data and information requirements today and tomorrow.
PRE TEST:
6. Statement I: A tape drive only reads data and information on a tape.
Statement II: Microfiche is a small sheet of film, usually about 4 3 6 inches.
a. Only 1 statement is true.
b. Only statement I is true
c. Statement I is true, statement II is false.
d. None of the above.
7. DVD-ROM means:
a. digital versatile disc-read-only memory
b. digital video disc-read-only memory
c. either a or b
d. None of the above
