Computer trivia: The first magnetic tapes that appeared on the market were seven-track IBM tapes dedicated to IBM 701 and IBM 702 computers in 1952. However, there was a problem with the first mainframes their use was limited. With the introduction of IBM System / 360, the size of the tape used also changed – this time it was already ½ inch (12.7 mm). Thus, nine-track (9-track) drives were introduced for use.

Almost 50 different tape formats appeared on the market, one of them presented quite recently in December 2017 – LTO8 tape. A common feature of all these formats is that the data is stored linearly on a tape containing a magnetized layer of particles. To this day, carriers are used – although it is often heard that someone “announces their death”. With proper storage of the tape, producers promise their durability up to 30 years, although most experts say they can last about 50 years.