Computer Media Primer
- Removable Media Computer Media Primer
- Removable Media
As new computer users it is important to understand the most common removable media types encountered in the Intel/IBM style computer world. When purchasing software for your computer these are the transport mediums used to provide the program or information you have purchased. One of the concerns every consumer has is stores will not accept opened software for exchange or refund. If you purchase the wrong media type and opened the package before realising the mistake you may end up not being able to return or exchange it. The only exception to this position is faulty media.
Objective
You will be able to recognise three types of removable media currently used to distribute computer programs and information for Intel/IBM style computers and where to find the information on the package.
Those of you already familiar with computer media types may skip to the next lesson
Overview
Before purchasing software check your computer's manual for the types of removable media supported. If unsure, ask a knowledgeable friend or bring the manual with you and ask the store clerk. Most computers are supplied with a 3.5 inch floppy disk drive as a standard device. After that it is up to the person or company assembling the computer to determine other removable media types being installed. The most common of these are CD and DVD type drives.
Definitions
Term Definition CD-ROM Compact Disc - Read Only Memory CD-R Compact Disk - Recordable CD-RW Compact Disk - Re-Writeable DVD Digital Versatile Disk
Identifying Media Types on a Software Package
Always check the package for system requirements and look for the type of drive needed. This is usually in fine print on the side or back of the package or in some cases companies will clearly mark the package face with the media type inside.
Examples of box markings
Floppy Disk
CD-ROM
DVD
System Requirements Pentium/90 MHz or higher processor * MicroSoft Windows NT(R) Workstation 4.0 or higher (will not run on earlier versions) * 24 MB minimum of menory (RAM) on Windows 95 or higher; 32 MB RAM on Windows NT (32 MB on Windows 95 or higher recommneded) * Hard disk space: 71 MB on systems with Microsoft Internet Explorer 5 preinstalled; 105 MB without Microsoft Internet Explorer 5 preinstalled; 147 MB on system running Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0 or any other non-Microsoft browser * CD-ROM drive (VGA graphics card or cmpatible video graphics adaptor and 256-color monitor * Mircosoft Mouse or compatible pointing devicec * 14400 baud modem (28,800 baud recommended) and Internet Access to download trial version * Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0 or Netscape Navigator 3.0 or higher * audio board and speakers or headphones required for audio.
Floppy Disk
- Comes in various sizes: 720 kilobyte, 1.44 Megabyte
- Been in use since 1983
- Most suitable for small applications and data distribution.
- May be used for small image files such as clip art.
CD-ROM * CD-R * CD-RW
- 650 Megabytes of data OR 74 Minutes of audio
- Been in use since 1988
- A plastic disc impregnated with a metal recording media. The metal most common is aluminium, however, gold and copper is also used in some cases
- CD-R and CD-RW disks have the recording media exposed on the bottom side. Therefore greater care is needed when handling these disks.
- Requires a CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW or DVD type drive to read
- Requires a CD-R drive to write to CD-R type media
- Requires a CD-RW type drive to write to CD-RW type of media
- May be used for data and programs and Regular Quality Music and Multimedia
- Replaced the Floppy Disk. In many cases a great cost saving was realized along with a higher degree of reliability.
DVD
- 1.0 Gigabyte or higher capacity
- Been in use since 1995
- Very similar looking to CD-type media shown above
- Idenified by the letters "DVD" incorporated into the label ( See yellow arrow)
- Requires a DVD drive to use
- Used to distribute High Quality Video, Multimedia, Audio and Movies
- Current DVD drives will read CD type media, however, this may change in the future
MAC Users
Removeable media is similar in appearance, however, the amount of data or audio space differs based on the recording process. Please consult your MAC dealer for requirements.
Test your knowledge
- Floppy disks may contain up to ___ MB of data?
- CD-ROM stands for?
- A DVD drive is best suited for__________?
- Is opened software returnable to the store?
- Where may system requirements be found on software packages?
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Acknowledgements
I would like to thank The BlockBuster Video Store at 9697 Macleod Trail S. for the loan of the Highlander DVD disk.
ESM Dressage is the property of Kinesi Systems Incorporated
World Book is the property of IBM
Highlander is the property of Highlander Productions Limited
All other names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners