| MadSci Network: Science History |
Dear Dawn:
The word "disk" is the usual American spelling of the British "disc",
which is derived from the Latin or French word "discus". The meaning
originally was a round, flat object. Since most disks we use for computers
tend to be round flat objects (heheh), it's obvious why the name came
about. The most likely cause why it's called "disk" rather than "disc" is
because the technology developed in the United States, and the American
spelling was used instead. So around the world computer junkies ended up
using Floppy Disks rather than Floppy Discs.
Here are some websites on computer history that you might find useful:
University of
Virginia Computer Museum
Chronology of
Personal Computers
Computer
History
A Short History of the
Computer
http://www.ceap.wcu.edu/Houghton/EDELCompEduc/Themes/computerhistory.
html
Computer Conservation Society (UK)
(I'm a member!)
I hope you've found this useful!
Regards,
Tan "Magnetic Drum" Thiam Hock
Try the links in the MadSci Library for more information on Science History.