Which of the following storage devices uses laser technology to read data from and store large amounts of information on a compact disc?

Introduction / Context:
Different computer storage devices use different technologies to store and retrieve data. Some rely on magnetism, others on optical methods using lasers. Understanding which devices are optical is important for basic computer literacy. This question specifically asks which storage device uses laser technology to read data from compact discs and store information in that format. Recognising the correct answer reinforces your knowledge of CD based storage.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The focus is on laser technology and compact disc storage.
• We are comparing common storage devices such as floppy, hard disk and CD-ROM drives.
• Compact discs are optical media, not magnetic.
• The device must use a laser to read and possibly write data on the disc surface.

Concept / Approach:
CD-ROM stands for Compact Disc Read Only Memory. A CD-ROM drive is an optical drive that uses a laser beam to read tiny pits and lands on the surface of the disc. The pattern of reflections is converted into digital data that the computer can process. Floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes and Zip disks all rely on magnetic methods rather than lasers. Therefore, the device associated with laser based compact disc storage is the CD-ROM drive.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Hardware manuals and introductory IT courses classify storage into magnetic, optical and solid state categories. Magnetic devices include floppy disks, hard disks, tapes and Zip disks. Optical devices include CD-ROM, CD-RW and DVD drives, all of which use laser beams to read and sometimes write data. Technical descriptions of CD-ROM drives explain how the drive spins the disc and uses a low power laser focused on the data layer. Since the question mentions compact disc and laser technology, it clearly refers to CD-ROM drives, confirming the answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Floppy disk drive: Uses magnetic heads to read and write data on flexible magnetic disks, not lasers.
• Hard disk drive: Uses rapidly spinning magnetic platters and read write heads, again without optical lasers.
• Magnetic tape drive: Stores data on long strips of magnetic tape read by magnetic heads.
• Zip disk drive: A magnetic removable disk format similar to a high capacity floppy, not an optical device.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may mix up different removable storage formats, especially if they have only seen them briefly. A simple way to remember is that anything with disc in the sense of compact disc or digital video disc (DVD) and which is shiny and reflective is usually optical and uses a laser. In contrast, floppy disks, tapes and Zip disks look dull and flexible or cartridge like and use magnetic recording. Keeping this distinction in mind helps you quickly choose the correct device when laser technology is mentioned.

Final Answer:
The storage device that uses laser technology to read data on a compact disc is the CD-ROM drive.