Computers

The term "computer media" broadly refers to any material or digital format used to store data, as well as the various types of content created and distributed through computers and networks. This includes physical storage devices, digital files, and the communication channels that transmit information.

Computer storage media

This is the physical or electronic material that computers use to save, hold, and retrieve digital information. 

• Magnetic media: These devices store data by manipulating the magnetic charge of the medium.

  • Hard disk drives (HDDs): Traditional storage devices that use spinning magnetic platters.

  • Magnetic tapes: Primarily used for data backups and archival storage.

• Optical media: These discs store data as microscopic physical pits and are read by a laser.

  • CDs (Compact Discs): An older format for storing data, music, and software.

  • DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs): Offered higher storage capacity than CDs.

  • Blu-ray discs: A more recent optical format with high capacity for storing movies and large data files.

• Solid-state media: Storage that uses flash memory with no moving parts, offering faster performance.

  • Solid-state drives (SSDs): Have largely replaced traditional HDDs in modern computers.

  • USB flash drives: Small, portable devices for data transfer.

  • Memory cards: Used in cameras, phones, and other devices. 

Digital media content

This refers to content encoded in a machine-readable format that can be viewed, distributed, or modified on an electronic device. 

• Text and documents: E-books, web pages, and documents are all forms of digital media.

• Images: Digital photos, illustrations, and other graphics.

• Audio: Digital sound, music files (like MP3s), and podcasts.

• Video: Movies, TV shows, and online video content.

• Software and video games: Programs and applications used on computers.

• Websites and social media: Online platforms where content is created and shared. 

Computer-mediated communication (CMC)

This describes any human communication that takes place through electronic devices. 

• Synchronous CMC: Occurs in real-time.

  • Examples: Video chats and instant messaging.

• Asynchronous CMC: Communication where there is a delay between sending and receiving.

  • Examples: Email, online forums, and text messaging.

Network media

In computer networking, media refers to the physical or wireless channel used to transmit data between devices. 

• Guided (Wired) media: Uses physical cables to transmit data.

  • Twisted-pair cable: Commonly used for Ethernet and telephone lines.

  • Coaxial cable: Used for cable television and broadband internet.

  • Fiber-optic cable: Transmits data via light signals at very high speeds over long distances.

• Unguided (Wireless) media: Transmits data through the air using electromagnetic waves.

  • Radio waves: Used for radio broadcasts, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.

  • Microwaves: Used for satellite communication and other point-to-point data links.

  • Infrared: Used for short-range communication, such as TV remote controls.