Scanning probe microscopy such as atomic force microscopy has become increasingly integrated and relevant in undergraduate laboratory investigations. As the "hands and eyes of the nanoworld", atomic force microscopes (AFMs) continue to be used to innovate the nanowriting process for data storage and in the exploration of novel materials…

Over the last four decades, electronic games have profoundly changed the way people play, learn, and connect with each other. Despite the tremendous impact of electronic games, however, until recently, relatively few programs existed to preserve them for future generations of players and researchers. Recognizing the need to save the original…

One of the great, engaging aspects of physics is its application to everyday technology. The compact disc player is an example of one such technology that applies fundamental principles from optics in order to efficiently store and quickly retrieve information. We have created a lab in which students use simple optical components to assemble a…

Describes capabilities of Digi-Data's high-capacity computer storage tape drive, Gigastore, and FileTek's Storage Machine/1. Optical digital disk (ODD) leaders' reactions, opinions, and new products are reported. A directory of 13 ODD sources is included. (MES)

What's the worst thing that can happen to your computer? Worse than a hard disk crash, virus infection, spam assault, denial-of-service attack, hacker take-over, fire, flood, or other human, mechanical or natural disaster is a faulty backup when you really need it. If the computer blows up, as long as your data is backed up securely, you can…

Fourth installment of a directory published in four parts in "Database" (June and August) and "Online" (July and September) provides descriptions of 12 laserdisk products together with information on the producer, compatibility, type of laserdisk, search and retrieval software, interface with magnetic media, conditions of usage, price, and status.…

Reviews the major write-once read-many (WORM) optical-disk products and systems demonstrated at the 1987 Association of Image and Information Management conference. Products are grouped as follows: (1) disk drives and jukeboxes; (2) systems integrators and value-added resellers; (3) turnkey systems; and (4) read-only systems. Addresses for 38…

Reports the results of a Web-based survey that investigated what plans, if any, librarians have for dealing with the expected obsolescence of the floppy disk and still retain effective library service. Highlights include data storage options, including compact disks, zip disks, and networked storage products; and a copy of the Web survey.…

Discussion of CD (compact disc) recorders describes recording applications, including storing large graphic files, creating audio CDs, and storing material downloaded from the Internet; backing up files; lifespan; CD recording formats; continuous recording; recording software; recorder media; vulnerability of CDs; basic computer requirements; and…

Discusses the use of CDs (Compact Disks) for backing up data as an alternative to using floppy disks and explains how to burn, or record, a CD. Topics include differences between CD-R (CD-Recordable) and CD-RW (CD-Rewritable); advantages of CD-R and CD-RW; selecting a CD burner; technology trends; and care of CDs. (LRW)

Provides reading professionals with an overview of reading and literacy applications in optical technology, including videodiscs, compact discs, and other optical technology. (ARH)

Describes imaging technology, which allows huge numbers of words and illustrations to be reduced to tiny fraction of space required by originals and discusses current applications. Highlights include image processing system at National Archives; use by banks for high-speed check processing; engineering document management systems (EDMS); folder…

Discusses whether and how compact disk technology can make trainers more effective in improving human performance within organizations. Includes basic information on CD-ROM (compact disk-read only memory). (JOW)

Describes the Eastman Kodak Company's microfilm and optical disk technologies and their applications. Topics discussed include WORM technology; retrieval needs and cost effective archival storage needs; engineering applications; jukeboxes; optical storage options; systems for use with mainframes and microcomputers; and possible future…

Discusses the user benefits of write-once optical storage devices; describes typical applications in archival storage, one-off complex instruction sets, and information storage and retrieval systems; and identifies current trends toward standardization of equipment. (CLB)