Compared to other types of storage devices, optical storage devices are generally considered to be relatively -effective.

Data on an optical storage device is usually stored in a single spiral track that starts at the center of the and spirals outward to the edge.

Optical storage devices are used in a wide range of applications, from music and to data storage and backup.

A laser is used to read and write data on optical storage devices by making tiny, precise marks on the surface of the .

One of the most common optical storage devices is the CD, which stands for Compact .

Another advantage of optical storage devices is that they are to use, requiring only a standard CD/DVD drive and compatible media.