dectape

1 definition found

dectape - Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (26 May 2007) :

  DECtape
  
     <hardware, storage> 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)