The History of the CD-ROM
CD-ROM was the first optical media format compatible with home computers. Based off of laser disc technology, the CD-ROM allowed far more data to be transferred and stored than every before, and the advancements made possible by CD-ROM drives helped popularize the computer as the multimedia entertainment center it has become.
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Development
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CD technology was developed by both Sony and Philips in the late 1970s, primarily as an audio format. In 1985, the two companies set forth standards for CD-ROM technology and soon after CD-ROM drives for computers were available to the general public. By the early 1990s most computers sold included CD-ROM drives.
Significance
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CD-ROM technology represented a massive lead forward in data storage. While floppy discs of the time period could hold just under 1.5 MB, a CD-ROM could hold more than 650 MB of data. Software that previously required multiple floppies in order to install or run could now fit on a single CD.
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Multimedia
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The CD-ROM helped bring multimedia to PCs. Older storage formats made transporting large audio or video files impossible, but CD-ROM could store video files and CD quality music. Gaming especially benefited from CD-ROM technology, and it helped pave the way for powerful 3D graphic-based games. Some even credit games, specifically 1993's horror-themed puzzle game The 7th Guest, as popularizing CD-ROM drives in home computers.
Advancements
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As CD technology advanced, writable and rewritable drives became available for the general consumer as well. By the turn of the millennium nearly all computers had CD-ROM drives, and many had CD-R capabilities as well, allowing users to burn their own CDs. Rewritable CD technology came soon after, and as of 2010 nearly all computers support CD-ROM and rewritable CD formats.
Decline
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CD-ROM discs are still being made and sold as of 2010, but CD-ROM drives are becoming hard to find, since DVD-ROM drives are backwards compatible and fully support CD technology. DVD-ROM discs will eventually completely replace CD, as they can hold far more data and have faster read times.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit cd-rom image by Falk from Fotolia.com
