Plug in the world with CD-ROM discs

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Can you imagine having a library of more than 3,000 books for all ages in your own home?

Or can you imagine having a teacher or instructor from Grade 1 to college in your own home? Well, this is a reality of today's home computer. Now anyone can go to the local computer superstore and purchase a library (on compact disc) of information which could consist of books, education programs, business notes and, of course, games for a surprisingly low, affordable price.

It seems every six months or so computer products like software and hardware are changing. But one trend that seems to be quite stable - we all hope - is the increasing popularity to have a CD-ROM with our computer systems.

But what exactly is a CD-ROM?

Briefly, compact disc, read only memory (CD-ROM) drive is another storage device for computers. There are internal and external CD-ROM drives, the latter being more expensive. But, there is a difference in this type of data storage in comparison to your hard drive.

Unlike a computer hard drive, a person cannot save data to a CD-ROM. You

can only read, listen or view the information that is pre-stored on the CD when you buy it. This technology is similar to music CD's for stereo systems. Simply put, a person cannot record music to a compact disc from his or her stereo system. But, one can record off a CD to tape.

Another important aspect of a CD-ROM is the computer requirements to run a CD-ROM drive. You must have a VGA or super VGA graphics card and monitor to properly view graphics. In 99 per cent of CD-ROMs there are graphics that include pictures and/or clips of movies. In fact, the movie industry is moving towards CD-ROMs because data is hard to erase, easier to transport, and CD-ROMs can have built-in software so that a person is unable to copy a movie.

Another requirement is that a computer should be at least a 486 IBM-compatible, or Macintosh LC 575 or higher with a 33 mega hertz speed. The faster the computer system is, the better the graphics will run. Most importantly, you should have a sound card in your computer system so that you can plug in speakers or stereo system to your computer.

So, what is the importance of having CD-ROM capability on your computer? First, a CD-ROM has more than 600 megabytes of storage space available that can be easily carried in your pocket.

Second, you would have the complete computer system - the so-called generic techno words "Interactive Multimedia System." Interactive meaning there are encyclopedias and other books on CD-ROM that actually give the viewer the option to read information and view movies or pictures at the same time.

For instance, a history of the Aboriginal people of North America is shown through text, maps, pictures, language and clips of movies. Also, of particular interest to disabled users, CD-ROM give viewers the option to be read to from the computer while he or she is viewing the monitor.

A book does not give this capability. Just imagine your son or daughter saying to you, "I can't find my school or library. I must have placed it somewhere in the basement by the computer."