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computer disk that can save and store things from
your computer. It's also the format that most new
software, including games, comes on these days.
CD-ROM
(Compact Disc, read-only-memory) is an adaptation of
the CD that is designed to store computer data in
the form of text and graphics, as well as hi-fi
stereo sound. The original data format standard was
defined by Philips and Sony in the 1983 Yellow Book.
Other standards are used in conjunction with it to
define directory and file structures, including ISO
9660, HFS (Hierarchal File System, for Macintosh
computers), and Hybrid HFS-ISO. Format of the CD-ROM
is the same as for audio CDs: a standard CD is 120
mm (4.75 inches) in diameter and 1.2 mm (0.05
inches) thick and is composed of a polycarbonate
plastic substrate (underlayer - this is the main
body of the disc), one or more thin reflective metal
(usually aluminum) layers, and a lacquer coating.
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