What is Optical Memory?

What is Optical Memory?

Optical memory is a form of electronic storage that uses a laser beam to store and retrieve data. It was developed by Philips and Sony and released in 1982 in the fourth generation of computers. These memories use light beams for their operations and require optical drives for their operations. These memories are used for storing audio/video, backup and caring for data. Read/write speed is slower compared to hard disk and flash memory. Examples of optical memories are Compact Disk (CD), Digital Versatile Disk (DVD), and Bluray Disk (BD). Here, we have discussed only Compact Disk (CD) in brief....

What is Compact Disk (CD) Optical Memory?

It stores data and it has circular plastic, a single side of the plastic is coated by aluminium alloy which stores data. It is protected by an additional thin plastic covering. CD requires a CD drive for its operation. A CD could store much more data than a personal computer hard drive. The CD has storage typically up to 700 MB (up to 80 minutes audio)....

Types of Compact Disk (CD) Optical Memory

These are various types of CD as follows below....

Advantages of Compact Disk (CD)

Portable: CDs are more compact and lightweight, they are easier to store and travel. Reliable: In that time, an entire software can be stored on one CD, so its very reliable for the software industries in the days. Multiple Applications: It is also adaptable. The higher capacity of the compact disc was exploited for uses other than storing digital audio. CDs became a popular media for distributing home films, software packages, and other digital content. Random Access: CD provides random data access. Users can use this random access to choose music tracks, specific files or data, or explore a menu via a user interface. Rewritable Formats: Another benefit of compact discs is the availability of rewritable versions such as CD-R and CD-RW....

Disadvantages of Compact Disk (CD)

Inferior Capacity: CDs have more storage capacity than their predecessors, but subsequent storage mediums have more capacity. Storage capacity is lower than a hard drive or DVD, nowadays CD is not used at all. Older Technology: A compact disc’s limitation stems from its older read and write mechanism technology, which is based on 780nm wavelength. Inferior Quality: It should be noted that audio-video files with higher audio and video quality can be stored on DVDs and Blu-ray Discs. Durability Issues: Magnetic tapes are less durable than CDs. However, it is still fragile because it is easily scratched if not treated carefully. When exposed to severe heat and humidity, it might deform and become unusable. Obsolete Medium: Another issue of CDs is that they have become obsolete as better storage methods have become available. It’s also worth noting that compact discs aren’t suitable for backup storage because of their limited storage capacity, susceptibility to breakage, and obsolescence. It is preferable to use hard drives or solid-state drives....

Frequently Asked Interview Questions

1. Can the data on an optical disc be recovered?...