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Difference between CD-ROM and Magnetic Disks
CD-ROM and Magnetic disks are the types of permanent (non-volatile) storage media used in computers and many other digital devices to store data and information in digital form. In this article, we will discuss the important differences between CD-ROM and magnetic disks. The most fundamental difference between CD-ROM and magnetic disks is that CD-ROM is a type of optical storage device, whereas magnetic disks, as the name implies, be the type of magnetic storage device.
Before discussing the differences between CD-ROM and magnetic disks, let us first know a bit about them individually.
What is a CD-ROM?
CD-ROM stands for Compact Disk Read Only Memory. CD-ROM is a type of optical storage media used in computers to permanently store data. Since it is a ROM (Read Only Memory), hence user can read data stored in it but he cannot change or delete the data.
CD-ROM comprises a metal disc that is embedded into a plastic cover. CD-ROM is basically a type of WORM (write once read many) disk because it can be written only once, but read many times. CD-ROM uses laser to read and write data onto the disk. CD-ROM is mainly used to store and distribute data such as proprietary software that are allowed to read only.
Differences between CD-ROM and Magnetic Disks
The following table highlights all the important differences between CD-ROM and Magnetic Disks −
Parameter |
CD-ROM |
Magnetic Disk |
|---|---|---|
Basic description |
CD-ROM stands for Compact Disk Read Only Memory. It is a type of permanent storage device. |
Magnetic disk is type of magnetic memory used for permanent data storage in computers. |
Construction |
CD-ROM is made up of metal disk embedded into a plastic cover. |
Magnetic disk is made up of non-magnetic material which is coated with a layer of magnetic material. |
Type of device |
CD-ROM is an optical storage device. |
Magnetic disk is a magnetic storage device. |
Nature of disk velocity |
CD-ROM disk has constant linear velocity. |
Magnetic disk has constant angular velocity. |
Sector organization |
CD-ROM has sectors that are organized along a spiral. |
Magnetic disk has sectors that are organized in a concentric track. |
Sector length |
In a CD-ROM, sectors have the same linear length. |
In magnetic disks, the sectors have the same angular length. |
Storage capacity utilization |
CD-ROM utilizes all the storage space available on the disk. |
Magnetic disk does not utilize all the storage space available. |
Data density |
In the case of CD-ROM, data is written at its maximum possible density. |
In the magnetic disks, data is written at lower density in the outer tracks. |
Storage type |
CD-ROM is a type of WORM disk that means it can be written only once but read many times. |
Magnetic disks are erasable. Thus, data can be erased and written multiple times. |
Cost |
CD-ROM is cheaper than magnetic disks. |
Magnetic disks are relatively expensive. |
Applications |
CD-ROM is used to store and distribute data such as software, videos, music, etc. that are allowed to read only. |
Magnetic disks are mainly used as a chief secondary storage device in digital computers. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the most significant difference between CD-ROM and magnetic disk is that CD ROM is a type of optical device that can be written only once, but can be read multiple times, while magnetic disks are the storage devices that can be erased and written multiple times.
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