What is a CD

Definition of a CD

A CD (Compact Disc) is an optical disc used to store digital data. In computer terms, it can store software, files, music, or videos. CDs were a common form of data storage in the late 20th and early 21st centuries before being largely replaced by other storage technologies like USB drives and cloud storage.

Types of CDs

There are several types of CDs used for different purposes:

• CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory): This type of CD can be read but not written or erased, and is commonly used to distribute software and large files.
• CD-R (Compact Disc-Recordable): CD-R discs can be written to once but cannot be erased or re-recorded.
• CD-RW (Compact Disc-Rewritable): CD-RW discs allow data to be written, erased, and re-written multiple times.

Storage Capacity of a CD

A standard CD has a storage capacity of around 700 MB (megabytes), which is roughly enough to store 80 minutes of audio or hundreds of text and image files. CDs use optical laser technology to read and write data.

How CDs are Used

CDs have been used for many purposes, including storing software, distributing music albums, backing up data, and even video playback. They require a CD drive in a computer or a dedicated CD player to read and access the stored data.