In PC optical media terminology, the “Red Book,” “Yellow Book,” and “Orange Book” refer to which family of standards?

Introduction / Context:
Technicians often encounter color-coded “book” names when working with compact disc formats. Knowing what the Red, Yellow, and Orange Books specify helps with compatibility, mastering, and troubleshooting optical drives and media in PC environments.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are identifying what the color “books” collectively represent.
• Context is PC/optical media standards.

Concept / Approach:

The Red Book defines the Compact Disc Digital Audio (CD-DA) format. The Yellow Book defines CD-ROM data standards (modes, error correction). The Orange Book covers recordable and rewritable formats (CD-R, CD-RW). Collectively, these are CD-family standards.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Standards documentation and vendor references consistently classify these as compact disc specifications published by Sony/Philips and others.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• SCSI/IDE: these are interface buses, not optical format standards.
• Floppy drive technology: unrelated to color books.
• All of the above: incorrect mix; only CD standards fit.

Common Pitfalls:

• Confusing interface standards (SATA/IDE/SCSI) with media format standards (CD/DVD/Blu-ray).

Final Answer:

CD-ROM standards.