From Paper Tape to Data Sticks: The Evolution of Removable Storage

Over the years, people have tried to transfer information from one computer to another in a dizzying number of ways. Here's a look at some of the best, along with others that time forgot

Tape Cartridges

In the 1960s, computer makers began placing spools of miniature magnetic tape into hard plastic cartridges. These cartridges were more durable, portable, and convenient than the larger open reels of magnetic tape, and their popularity as a backup medium for ever-growing hard disks increased in the 1970s and 1980s. Like earlier open-reel systems, the capacity of tape-cartridge systems had the advantage of flexible capacity. When storage needs increased, tape manufacturers simply created cartridges that held more tape. More tape meant more space.

Today, tape cartridges like the 800GB LTO Ultrium (lower left) remain in use for large-scale server backups, though their popularity has diminished over the last decade as hard-drive-to-hard-drive transfers have gained favor.

Photos: IBM/Digital/3M

11 of 20
VIEW ALL THUMBNAILS

Most Popular

Tethering tutorial: How to use your iPhone as a modem
How to pick the right size TV for your living room
Capacitive vs resistive touchscreens
LCD vs plasma vs LED TVs buying guide
The Large Hadron Collider shows its insides as upgrade work commences ( +11 photos)

Best Deals on PCWorld

Networking, Wireless & VoIPView all »
NotebooksView all »
TabletsView all »
Mobile PhonesView all »
Printers & ScannersView all »

rhs_login_lockSign up to PC World Today for the latest news, reviews and galleries from PC World Australia.