tape Last modified: Tuesday, May 25, 2004
A magnetically coated strip of plastic on which data can be encoded. Tapes for computers are similar to tapes used to store music. Storing data on tapes is considerably cheaper than storing data on disks. Tapes also have large storage capacities, ranging from a few hundred kilobytes to several gigabytes. Accessing data on tapes, however, is much slower than accessing data on disks. Tapes are sequential-access media, which means that to get to a particular point on the tape, the tape must go through all the preceding points. In contrast, disks are random-access media because a disk drive can access any point at random without passing through intervening points. Because tapes are so slow, they are generally used only for long-term storage and backup. Data to be used regularly is almost always kept on a disk. Tapes are also used for transporting large amounts of data. Tapes come in a variety of sizes and formats. Tapes are sometimes called streamers or streaming tapes.
•E-mail this definition to a colleague• Sponsored listings Ultratape Industries: Tape - Produces pressure sensitive adhesive tapes. Includes high purity, residue-free tapes for cleanroom, in-process, ESD, high temperature, and autoclave. RSF Elektronik: Tape Scale - Manufacturer and distributor of tape scales for precision motion control and measurement applications. GlobalSpec.com: Foil Tape - Provides database of suppliers for Foil Tape. Browse catalogs and view technical information. For internet.com pages about tape . Also check out the following links! Magnetic Tape Storage and Handling Guide Describes how to properly store and care for magnetic media to maximize their life expectancies. Includes technical explanations for the rationale behind recommended procedures. This report is a joint project of the Commission on Preservation and Access and the National Media Laboratory. Metal Particle Tape Guide Explains the technology behind metal partical tape used for data storage applications. Seagate Software Technology Papers Good collection of technical papers about recent developments in the storage and data technology industries. Tape Talk from Westek Contains tips and the latest developments in tape backup, as well as links to Westek product information and related links. Sponsored listings Packaging Tape - Offers packing tape products including packaging tape, strapping tape, duct tape, Kraft tape, labels, carton sealing tape and dispensers. Simply Audiobooks - Rent and Download audio books. Best-sellers and new releases available now. Business, self-help, fiction, non-fiction, etc. Start Now! Traffic Safety and Area Protection - Safety traffic cones, barricade safety caution tape, traffic barrels, and orange & lime safety cones. Indentify Inventory With Label Magnets LLC - Identify inventory on warehouse shelving using magnets. Precut rolls, full rolls, custom sizes or our new pre-labeled magnet. Polyimide/Kapton Tape Supplier - Low Prices, Great Quality - Find good prices Kapton tape & other kinds of high temp tape here. This month's sales promotion: free air shipping when you order more than 500 rolls.	Tape Drives 3480, 3490 AIT backup D2D D2T DAT disk drive DLT helical-scan cartridge mass storage QIC sequential access Travan Give Us Your Feedback Shopping tape Products Compare Products,Prices and Stores Shop by Category: Audio and Video Media 659 Store Offers Building Supplies 3524 Store Offers Office Supplies 3385 Store Offers Craft Supplies 1839 Store Offers Sport and Outdoor 7064 Store Offers