As technology takes control in different diversities today, data storage devices also do. Back in the day, cassette dominated the market but CDs are taking over.

Despite both storing information and having different shapes, technological evolution provides a lot of distinctions between them.

Godfrey Musiime, a video library operator but also doing video recording says that the differences between CDs and tapes go beyond their shapes and way of data storage.

Samson A. Sewanyana, an information technology specialist, describes some of the distinguishing features between the two.

The tape

Tape storage has very thin and long lining scrolled on 2 reels covered in a rectangular plastic case. Its lining has magnetic fields that capture data when recording. But reading and recording information is slow as the scroll moves from one reel pilling up on another reel.

The compact cassette, often referred to as audio cassette, cassette tape, or cassette (French word meaning "little box”), has high durability compared to the CD. It is protected by its plastic covering from damage. Thus information distortion rarely happens unless the lining is cut.

But if not in use for long under damp conditions, the cassette is likely to mould causing jamming when in a cassette player or distortion of data.

A cassette can be manipulated when recording information to elongate its storage capacity but depending on the functionalities of the recorder. A video cassette costs Frw1,500 while as an audio tape or cassette goes for Frw500.

CDs

A compact disc (CD) is a small, portable, round medium plate containing a spiral of ferrite particles that can be positioned up and down or left and right.

Therefore, when the plate is spinning and a read/write head can rotate a matter of inches and read any place on that plate making it fast to write and read information.

On disk, a physical record is written electronically in multiple units of a fixed number of bytes, which is determined by the hardware and operating system involved.

It can record or store audio, video, text, and other information in that can be converted into digital form. The CD also provides chance for rewriting of data but only applicable to specific CD type called Re-writable CD (CD-RW).

Newer technology in CD has also brought the Digital Versatile Disc (DVD), which stores much more in the same space. These are commonly used for movies due to their capacity.

However, with poor handling, all CD are more fragile to protect information from distortion. Any scratch, crack or wax on their surface can kill part of the information if not completely.

The cost of the ordinary blank CD called recordable (CD-R) cost Frw700 and Frw1,500 for CD-RW while a blank DVD cost Frw2,500.

Let your discs live longer:

• When writing labels, use a soft felt-tip pen or marker to write on the top of the disc only.

• Keep your discs away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures, and replace back into case after using them.

• If dirty or dusty or waxy, wipe with a clean soft cloth from the center of the disc outwards in straight lines.

• Handle carefully. Always grab disc with your thumb in the center hole and your fingers along the outer edge of the disc. Avoid touching the surface, particularly on the bottom.

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