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Punch Cards
Punch Cards were paper cards with holes punched into them used to put data into computers. They were invented by Herman Hollerith, and often used for calculations. They were too slow and were replaced with advancing technologies. -
Phonograph
This invention was used to put indents on paper tape that could be later read or repeated. The speaking vibrations made indentations in the paper. Edison later changed the paper to a metal cylinder with tin foil wrapped around it. The phonograph was actually a result of Thomas Edison trying to make two other inventions. Due to advancements in technology that were easier to use, this technology was replaced. -
78 RPM Records
The 78 RPM record were records usually coated in shellac. They would be played on a record player. Before 1925, all 78's were made by the artists singing or speaking into a horn and the vibrations made the grooves that would make the record play. The first electrical recording was issued in 1925. Today you occasionally see records, but because of online sources like Spotify, records aren't needed to listen to music, and to some, are a waste of money. -
8-Track Tape
8-Track Tapes were used to store and play music. They could be put into radios and would play music. Originally, the tapes would play using magnetic tape sound production. The endless-loop cartridge was invented in 1952 by Bernard Cousino. 8-Track Tapes were eventually replaced with more transportable and easier to use technologies. -
8" Floppy Disk
Floppy disks are data storage devices using a magnetic storage medium kept inside a plastic case. They were used for file storage. They were invented by Alan Shugart, and were read only. They were later on replaced by newer versions of floppy disks. -
5.25" Floppy Disk
These were also invented by Alan Shugart. They were invented because the original floppy disk couldn't fit into a computer because it was too large. Its storage capability was 110 kilobytes on the original one. These were eventually replaced by newer faster technologies with better storage. -
3.5" Floppy Disk
The 3.5" floppy disk was used to store data to and from computers. They were invented by Alan Shugart. This floppy disk was also designed so you couldn't accidentally put it in sideways like you could with its older counterparts. They were eventually replaced by smaller less delicate ways to store data. -
CD
The CD is an optical disc used to store digital data, usually digital audio. They were invented by James Russel. It is named after one of a set of color-bound books that contain the technical specifications for all CD and CD-ROM formats. Later on they were replaced by more modern, transportable forms of music storage and playing. -
Cloud Storage
Cloud storage is where any file you upload can be accessed anywhere. It is stored online. Cloud storage was invented by Joseph Licklider. Cloud storage is still commonly used today, especially amongst students and businesses. -
DVD
DVD's are a form of optical disc storage technology. They are a lot like CD's except they can hold more data, and can hold video. Dvd's were invented by David Paul and James Russel. In 2003 there were over 250 million DVD playback devices worldwide. DVD's are still around today, but are slowly being replaced by online streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. -
Multi Media Card
The multi media card is a flash memory card that could store and read data from computers. They were invented by SanDisk. When it was introduced, it was much smaller than earlier storage mediums, being about the size of a postage stamp. Today they have been replaced with SD Cards and online storage. -
USB Key
The USB key was a flash memory storage device that could read or store data from a computer. They were invented by Dov Moran. They are powered only when powered by a computer USB connection. Today they are still used, but are being replaced with online storage. -
Blu-Ray Discs
Blu-Ray Discs were very similar to DVD's, except they can store things at a higher quality. They were invented by Blu-Ray Discs Association. They got their name from the shorter wavelength blue laser that, in addition to other techniques, allows it to store substantially more data on the same sized disc than DVD, which uses a longer wavelength red laser. Today they are still used, but are slowly being replaced by online streaming services.