ZEOS PANTERA User's Guide download pdf (Page 51)

How a CD-ROM Drive Works

CD-ROM drives are capable of reading information from

compact discs, or CD’s. The “ROM” in CD-ROM stands for

Read Only Memory. Compact discs are read-only, meaning, you

can read information from them, but cannot write files or

information onto them like a floppy disk or hard disk drive. With

the right software, you can even “read” music by playing audio

compact discs on your CD-ROM drive. Compact disks can store

large amounts of information. One compact disk can store as

much information as 500 floppy disks.

There are many types of CD-ROM drives. Most have three

primary connectors, a power connector, a data cable connector,

and an audio connector.

The power connector is just like the DC power connector on

floppy drives and hard disk drives. It accepts DC power from

the computer’s internal power supply.

The data cable is a flat ribbon cable that connects the drive with

some type of controller. Some drives use a dedicated controller

card inserted into one of the expansion slots on the mainboard.

SCSI CD-ROM drives connect to the SCSI controller port on

the mainboard or to a SCSI controller card inserted into one of

the expansion slots. Still other drives use a CD-ROM controller

port mounted on a sound card inserted into one of the expansion

slots on the mainboard.

Most CD-ROM drives also have an audio connector where you

can connect headphones or computer speakers. If your system

has a sound card and speakers installed, the CD-ROM drive’s

audio connector is probably connected to the sound card.

For detailed information about your CD-ROM drive, check the

manufacturer’s documentation.

Chapter 5 - How Disk Drives Work

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ZEOS PANTERA User's Guide Page 51