Zip (Typee)

The Zip Drive

A Zip drive is a removable disk storage system that was introduced by Iomega in the mid-1990s. It was designed as a higher-capacity, faster alternative to floppy disks, and was popular for backup and file transfer during that era.

Functions of a Zip Drive

Data Storage: Store and retrieve large files (compared to floppy disks).
Data Backup: Used for backing up important files.
File Portability: Transfer files between computers, especially in offices and schools.
Archiving: Keep long-term archives of documents, photos, and software.

Types of Zip Drives

External Zip Drive (Parallel Port or USB)
- Connected to the computer via a parallel port (older PCs) or USB.
- Easy to plug in and use on multiple machines.
Internal Zip Drive (IDE/ATAPI)
- Installed inside a desktop PC.
- Connected using IDE cables like internal hard drives.
SCSI Zip Drive
- High-speed version for professional or Mac users.
- Used SCSI interface, mostly in creative industries.

Zip Disk Sizes (Capacities)

100 MB (original version, released in 1994)
250 MB (released in 1998)
750 MB (released in 2002)

Each disk was slightly larger and thicker than a floppy but much more durable and higher in capacity

How a Zip Drive Works

Inserting the Disk: A Zip disk is inserted into the drive like a floppy.
Reading Mechanism: The drive spins the disk and uses a magnetic read/write head to access data.
Magneto-resistive Technology: It reads data from the disk magnetically, allowing for higher density than floppy disks.
Motorized Eject: The drive often includes a motorized system to safely eject the disk.

Decline in Use

Replaced by CD-RWs, USB flash drives, and external hard drives in the early 2000s.
Limited by capacity and proprietary design.

Summary Table

Feature	Details
Function	Storage, backup, transfer of data
Types	External (USB/parallel), Internal (IDE), SCSI
Capacities	100MB, 250MB, 750MB
Media	Removable Zip disks
Interface	USB, Parallel, IDE, SCSI
Use Case	Mid-90s to early 2000s computing