decade

n 1: a period of 10 years [syn: {decennary}, {decennium}]

2: the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the

base of the decimal system [syn: {ten}, {10}, {X}, {tenner}]

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)