Define and differentiate between the following: CD-ROM, CD-R, and CD-RW.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

 • ACD-ROM (CD-read-only memory) is a type of optical disc that users can read but not write on (record) or erase - hence, the name read-only. Manufacturers write the contents of standard CD-ROMs and distribute them to consumers. A standard CD-ROM is called a single-session disc because manufacturers write all items on the disc at one time. Software manufacturers sometimes distribute their programs using CD-ROMs. The term, photo CD, sometimes is used to refer to CDs that contain only photos. • ACD-R (CD-recordable) is an optical disc on which users can write once, but not erase, their own items, such as text, graphics, and audio. Because a CD-R can be written on only one time, the format of these discs sometimes is called WORM (write once, read many). Some CD-Rs are multisession, which means you can write on part of the disc at one time and another part at a later time - if the disc has free space. • ACD-RW (CD-rewritable) is an erasable multisession disc users can write on multiple times. CD-RW overcomes the major disadvantage of CD-R because it allows users to write and rewrite data, instructions, and information on the CD-RW disc multiple times - instead of just once. Reliability of the disc tends to drop, however, with each successive rewrite.