Final answer:
The correct answer is C) Hard Disk Drive, which uses magnetic storage on spinning disks to allow for quick random-access processing of data.
Step-by-step explanation:
The answer to the question “A(n) _____, made of Mylar or metal, is used for random-access processing” is: C) Hard Disk Drive. A hard disk drive works by magnetically encoding information onto a spinning disk which can be stored or retrieved quickly. This technology allows for digital computers to efficiently process a large amount of information. In contrast, optical discs like CDs made of polycarbonate plastic and a layer of aluminum were used to store digital information, read by a laser that scatters from pits as the CD spins. While magnetic tapes were earlier used for data storage, they do not provide the same quick random access as a hard disk drive.