Editing Computer data storage (section)

=== Paper ===
{{Paper data storage media}}

[[Paper data storage]], typically in the form of [[paper tape]] or [[punched card]]s, has long been used to store information for automatic processing, particularly before general-purpose computers existed. Information was recorded by punching holes into the paper or cardboard medium and was read mechanically (or later optically) to determine whether a particular location on the medium was solid or contained a hole. [[Barcode]]s make it possible for objects that are sold or transported to have some computer-readable information securely attached.

Relatively small amounts of digital data (compared to other digital data storage) may be backed up on paper as a [[matrix barcode]] for very long-term storage, as the longevity of paper typically exceeds even magnetic data storage.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.extremetech.com/extreme/134427-a-paper-based-backup-solution-not-as-stupid-as-it-sounds|date=14 August 2012|title=A paper-based backup solution (not as stupid as it sounds)}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/2012/08/paperback-paper-backup/|date=16 August 2012|title=PaperBack paper backup|magazine=Wired|last1=Sterling|first1=Bruce}}</ref>