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An InfoHelp How To...? Guide |
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Compact Discs give you more space for your money than any other portable storage media available. They can store an amazing 650Mb of data - that's equivalent to more than 6 ZIP disks or 450 floppy disks.
Writeable compact discs come in two varieties: CD-R (recordable, but not rewritable) and CD-RW (re-writable).
CD drives also come in two varieties: CD-ROM (read only) and CD-RW (read and write).
What's the difference between CD-RW and CD-ROM drives?
So now I'm confused, what's a CD-ROM, CD-R and a CD-RW?
Looking after CD's
What kind of disks can I create?
How to use the Create CD facility:
Data: DirectCD or DataCD
CDCopier
What's the difference between CD-RW and CD-ROM drives?
CD-RW drives (Compact Disc ReWritable drives) allow you to make your own CD's by saving (writing) files to them. They also allow you to read files on a CD.
CD-ROM drives (Compact Disc Read Only Memory drives) allow you to open (read) files. They do not allow you to save (write or burn) to a CD. Most home computers come with a CD-ROM drive as standard.
The GATCF DELL PC's come equipped with CD-RW drives. This means that you can save documents, websites and programs onto a CD-R or CD-RW disc. You can take the CD home and read the files on (and copy the files to your hard drive) if you have computer with a CD-ROM drive, but not save to the CD.
If you take the files home and you want to change files on the CD itself, you will need a CD-RW drive on your computer. If you do not have a CD-RW drive installed, don't rush out and buy one. Unless you frequently work with very large files you can stick with floppy disks and/or your Homes drive.
So now I'm confused, what's a CD-ROM, CD-R and a CD-RW?
- A CD-ROM is a CD that is read only, and can't be saved to.
- A CD-R is a recordable CD. Files can be saved to at different times until it is full using a CD-RW drives. The physical space on a CD-R can only be used once. You can delete the files, but that does not free up space like with floppy or zip disks.
- A CD-RW is a re-writable CD that can be saved to using a CD-RW drive. The information can be erased and the CD can have new information written to it - much like a floppy, zip or hard disk. CD-RW discs are more expensive than CD-R discs.
Looking after CD's
Treat your CD with care. Keep it in a "jewel" case or CD caddy to prevent it getting dusty or scratched - otherwise you may lose valuable information.
- Handle the CD by its edges or by the centre hole.
- Blow dust off your CD's before inserting into the drive (dust can damage the drive, which can affect the way your CD is read and written).
- Clean grease and dust off with a lens cloth (like those for wiping glasses or sunglasses) or a CD cleaner.
- Label your CD using a felt-tip pen with water-based permanent ink.
- The safest area to write on a CD is round the centre hole
- Never use a pencil or a ball point pen.
- Never use a solvent-based ink.
- Be careful with sticky labels - they can become unstuck.
What kind of disks can I create?
You can:
- Create data disks to save files (like word documents, Director files, MP3 files etc.);
- Create data disks to backup information to;
- Make copies of CD's;
- make audio disks for saving music tracks.
PLEASE BE AWARE OF COPYRIGHT - see the Guide on Appropriate Use of Information
More Information
CD Recordable FAQ (off-campus site)
If this information is inadequate, incorrect, or can be improved in any way, please let us know