Dectape

1 definition found

From The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (27 SEP 03) [foldoc]:

  DECtape
       
           A reel of {magnetic tape} about 4 inches
          in diameter and one inch wide.  Unlike today's {macrotapes},
          microtape drivers allowed {random access} to the data, and
          therefore could be used to support {file systems} and even for


          {swapping} (this was generally done purely for {hack value},
          as they were far too slow for practical use).  DECtape was a
          variant on {LINCtape}.
       
          In their heyday DECtapes were used in pretty much the same
          ways one would now use a {floppy disk}: as a small, portable
          way to save and transport files and programs.
       
          (1995-03-16)