Which of the following is an advantage of using CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) as a storage medium for data and software distribution?

Introduction / Context:
Optical storage media such as CD-ROMs were widely used for distributing software, encyclopaedias, and multimedia content before broadband internet became common. They offered several advantages over traditional magnetic storage like floppy disks and magnetic tapes, especially for read only distribution. This question asks you to recognise which listed properties are considered advantages of CD-ROMs as storage media in typical exam oriented descriptions.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The storage medium under discussion is CD-ROM.
• The options mention low cost for large data, relatively quick data retrieval, and fewer errors compared to magnetic media.
• We assume the comparison is with older magnetic media such as floppy disks and tapes, not modern hard disks.
• The question asks which listed statements describe advantages of CD-ROM.

Concept / Approach:
A CD-ROM can store hundreds of megabytes of data, which was a very large capacity compared to floppy disks. Optical discs are relatively cheap to mass-produce, making them cost effective for distributing large software packages or collections of data. When compared with magnetic tape, CD-ROMs provide faster random access to data, since the drive can move the laser to any track quickly, while tape must be wound back and forth. CD-ROMs also tend to be less prone to certain types of magnetic interference and media deterioration, so in many textbook explanations they are said to make fewer errors than older magnetic media. As exam questions are based on these conventional points, they usually treat all listed statements as advantages and expect “All of these” as the correct answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Consider capacity and cost. CD-ROMs can hold large amounts of data at relatively low cost, which is an advantage for distribution. Step 2: Consider access speed. Compared with sequential magnetic tape, CD-ROMs provide quicker random access to information, which is considered an advantage in many exam contexts. Step 3: Consider data reliability. Optical discs are not affected by magnetic fields, and well produced discs typically have low error rates. Step 4: Match each of these advantages to the statements in options A, B, and C. Step 5: Recognise that exam oriented materials group all these as advantages, so choose “All of these”.

Verification / Alternative check:
Older computer awareness textbooks describe CD-ROMs as low cost, high capacity media suitable for distribution of large data sets and multimedia applications. They highlight that CD-ROMs offer faster data retrieval than floppy disks and magnetic tapes, especially due to random access capability, and report fewer read errors under normal handling compared with deteriorating magnetic media. Although modern hard disks are faster, the typical exam comparison is with floppy and tape technology. When seen in that historical context, all three statements match the usual advantages listed for CD-ROMs.

Why Other Options Are Wrong (if chosen alone):
Option A only: This is true but incomplete because it ignores speed and error rate. Option B only: This reflects improved access compared to sequential magnetic tape, but does not mention cost or reliability. Option C only: Lower error susceptibility is one benefit, but not the only one.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners focus narrowly on modern comparisons and think that hard disks are faster than CD-ROMs, so they reject option B in error. The question, however, is based on traditional textbook comparisons with older magnetic media like floppy disks and tapes. Another mistake is to assume that only one option can be correct, even when the question clearly allows for “All of these”. Whenever you see multiple statements that sound like standard advantages in basic computer awareness material, check carefully whether they all may be correct and choose the combined option if provided.

Final Answer:
All the listed properties are treated as advantages of CD-ROMs, so the correct answer is All of these.