Computer-compatible tape

Computer compatible tapes (CCTs)/floppies/cartridges/CDs... 

Much of the Mossbauer spectroscopic data which is published comes from institutions which also have large computer facilities. Since the raw data of a spectrum are already digitised, it is in a very convenient form for automated analysis by digital computer. The majority of multichannel analysers have output signals which are either directly compatible with or easily adapted for appropriate types of punched paper tape or magnetic tape units, so that accumulated spectra can be printed out in a form which is compatible with the computer installation. 

Early versions of home computers also had magnetic tape drives as a secondary method of data storage. In the 1970 s, IBM offered their own version of a magnetic cassette tape recorder (compatible with its desktop computer) that used the widely available cassette tape. By 1985, however, hard disks and floppy disks had dominated the market for computer systems designed to access smaller amounts of data frequently and quickly, and cassette tapes became obsolete for home-computer data storage. 

---