User`s guide

51
How a CD-ROM Drive Works
CD-ROM drives read information from compact discs, or CDs. The
“ROM” in CD-ROM stands for Read Only Memory. Compact discs are
read-only--you can read information from them, but cannot add new files
or information onto them as you can do with a floppy disk or hard disk.
Despite their limitations, CDs have some distinct advantages. CDs can
store large amounts of information--one compact disk can store as much
information as 500 floppy disks. With the right software, you can even
listen to music on your CD-ROM drive.
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. Your IDE CD-ROM
drive connects to the 16-bit IDE controller port on the mainboard (J8) or
to an IDE controller card inserted into one of the expansion slots. Still
other drives use a CD-ROM controller port mounted on a sound card in
one of the expansion slots.
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
probably can be connected to the sound card.
For detailed information about your CD-ROM drive, check the
manufacturer’s documentation.
Chapter 4 - Expanding Your System