What does CD-ROM stand for?

CD-ROM is a type of optical storage medium used in computers and other digital devices. The term is made up of three key parts:

•  Compact Disk (CD) refers to a small, round, plastic disk that stores digital data using laser technology


•  Read Only Memory (ROM) means the data stored on the disk can only be read, not written or modified.

                            CD-ROMs became widely used in the 1990s for distributing software, drivers, encyclopedias, and multimedia 

content. Unlike a rewritable CD (such as CD-RW), a CD-ROM is created during manufacturing and the data remains permanent.

Many candidates mistakenly think it stands for things like Computer Disk or Central Data, but these are incorrect. The term Compact Disk originated from the audio industry, and it was adapted for computers by adding the Read Only Memory feature, making it suitable for software distribution.

In summary, CD-ROM means Compact Disk - Read Only Memory, and it refers to a non-editable optical disk that can store software, files, or multimedia content