What kind of disc do I use to back up my files or documents?

Question

Do I need to use DVD+- RW or CD+-R. If yes, how? Please help. Thanks.

Answer 1

CD+-R will be just fine, if thier large files and you have alot of them I suggest DVD+-RW. CD+-R's are cheaper. Both disks have the same lifespan.

John
A+ Certified

Answer 2

I use an external hard drive, so, other computers can access the files. You can use either of the ones you mention. RW you can erase things later and add more to it. R you can keep adding information if you not close the CD. Once it closed, I not think you can write to it anymore and once it written you can not erase.
RW costs more. So, you may want to see how much information you have and use an R to backup and close the CD.

Answer 3

Hi. First I'll explain the basic difference between a DVD and a CD, generally speaking, a DVD can contain more information than a CD, specifically DVD contains about 4.5GB while CD contains about 700MB of data. Hence, choose between them depending on your needs. And make sure you have appropriate devices, DVD requires a DVD writer to write, like wise for CD, you need a CD writer. This can usually be determined by reading the logos on your Optical Drive(CD or DVD drive).

Secondly, RW means ReWritable and R simply means recordable. You will not be able to erase information that are written to DVD-Rs, DVD+R or CD-R, while you can re-write to RW discs for numerous times, and each re-write process actually weakens the integrity of the disc (technically).

Thirdly, ReWritable discs are generally more expensive than Recordable discs.

As a conclusion, this is what I will suggest for your back-up solution.
1. Use Recordable discs, as they are cheaper, and you probably store your back-up, and not re-write over them.
2. Buy the discs from reliable brands, as their data integrity is usually better, and it is especially important for backing-up. I always buy from Imation, but this is just my personal preference.
3. Burn them at slowest possible speed, as higher speed means decreased data reliability. This is especially important when backing-up data.
4. Store your discs in the least humid places, ideally, a vacuum box, as it prevents mould from developing.

As for burning the discs..
(I assume that you are running Windows XP here)
Ideally, use the software provided when you purchase your Optical Drive or your computer. To list a couple of them, Nero, and Roxio. Then follow the on-screen instructions.
Otherwise, an alternate method is to right click on the files and choose 'Send to..' and select your Optical Drive, after which, go to My Computer, then your Optical Drive, and click burn, however Windows XP will burn at highest possible speed and it is not recommended for back-up purpose.

I'm sure the tech-savvy dudes out here have got some cool freeware CD/DVD burning software for Windows to introduce.

I'm on mac, and if you happened to be using mac, try BurnXFree. ( http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/13824 )

Hope my answer helps. =)

Answer 4

LOL! You sure you are A+ certified? There are no CD+R's. CD-R's come in 74 minute (650MB) and 80 minute (700MB). They are becoming almost expensive as DVD's. You are better off using DVD's to backup your data. DVD's come in 4.7GB and dual layer 8.5 GB. If the data you are backing up doesn't exceed 700MB then you are good using CD-R/W. If your data exceeds 700MB in size then you are better off backing up your data on DVD's. Just drag your files to your burner drive and say "Yes" you want to add your files. Then right click on your drive and tell it to "Write these files to CD." Give your CD a name and keep clicking next and follow the directions until it writes your documents to disc. Not so sure if DVD's will work though. I know CD's will work though.

Answer 5

If you have Retrospect any one of those will do, but the best solution (and safe one) I have found is just getting a external drive and backing up to that. After you are done just take it over to your parent or grandparents house for safekeeping (in case of house fire, your backup would be junk if it were kept there)

I used to back up to discs, but I always put it off because it was too time consuming. Get a portable back up drive (usb ones are now cheap) and set up your computer to do a backup to it before you go to sleep. Then in the morning shut down, detach the drive and there ya go. Just something that works well for me.

Answer 6

either will work dvd will hold more

Just select all of the files you want to backup and right click and send to your dvd or cd burner

in a minute or so a yellow box will appear by your clock and click it and click burn cd or dvd now

Answer 7

use dvd and if ur usin nero u will see an option make a backup cd and click on that and add what u wanna back up .

Answer 8

Either will be sufficient. Cheaper is CD+-R