CD-ROM is appropriate for the distribution of large amounts of data to a large number of users. Because of the expends of the initial writing process, it is not appropriate for individualized applications 

            As a computer peripheral, CD-ROM computes with magnetic media where these are used for the distribution of data and software. However, its main significance is as a competitor to more diverse methods of publishing. Compared wit traditional magnetic disc, the CD-ROM has many advantages.

            The greatest advantage of D-ROM is its high data density that allows a single disc to carry an equivalent of hundreds of printed books or floppy discs. The information-storage capacity is much greater on the optical disc. For our information, CD-ROM are made by a mastering process, because of that, the cost is high for a single copy, but falls rapidly with quantity. Consequently, the cost per megabyte is very low when many copies of large quantities of information are wanted.

            The next advantage is its resistance to damage and wear and also its high data integrity. However, the widest use of CD-ROM is to carry data which will be read from the screen, and for this purpose such high integrity is not really needed. Besides, CD-ROM offers fast random access and high data rate. It also can be manipulate by computer. However, it does mean that expensive indexing and very powerful access methods can be used.

            To offset these advantages, CD-ROM is incompatible with the normal types of WORM a rewritable drives; it is compatible wit the forthcoming CD-PROM write-once discs and drives. Consequently, CD-ROM is attractive only where it will be used extensively.

            Finally, CD-ROM cannot be updated because of it is read-only. It also has an access time much longer than that of a magnetic disc drive, as much as half second.