What type of storage device is a CD-ROM?

A CD-ROM, which stands for Compact Disc Read-Only Memory, is classified as an optical storage device. This classification is based on the technology it uses to read and write data. Optical storage devices function by using lasers to read and retrieve information encoded in the surface of the disc. In the case of a CD-ROM, data is permanently written during the manufacturing process and cannot be altered or erased by the user, which is characteristic of "read-only" storage.

Optical storage devices like CD-ROMs are distinct from magnetic storage devices, such as hard drives, which use magnetic fields to write and read data. Similarly, solid-state storage devices, such as USB flash drives and SSDs, utilize flash memory to store data without moving parts. Cloud-based storage services, on the other hand, provide online storage facilities accessed over the internet, which differ fundamentally from physical storage devices like CD-ROMs. Thus, categorizing a CD-ROM as an optical storage device accurately reflects its design and functionality.