My new PC has a CD/DVD-ROM combo drive with various speeds? , ie, 48X24X16 etc, Should I let the default speed take over ? I read somewhere that it takes 45minutes to format a disc, that's crazy!
2006-12-28 07:06:48 · 5 answers · asked by bill k 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Add-ons
You only have to format it for packet writing. I.e. if you
want to use it as some kind of huge floppy or small HD.
If you want to burn it in a single run as with DVD-Rs it's
not necessary. The speed depends on the drive AND
the media. So yes. Letting the application handle it is
a good idea. They're good for data storage but CDs/DVDs
and specially RWs are not very suitable for backups.
They degenerate in a way that's sometimes not easily
to detect and might fail just in time when it's just what
you don't need. If stored properly they're fine. But most
people don't store them remotely properly. They're left
laying around to get scratches. Left in the window to get
some nice direct sunlight. Left in rooms with changing
humidity. If you use them for backups. Make sure you
store them in a dry place that's not flooded with sunlight.
2006-12-28 07:18:14 · answer #1 · answered by Alex S 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
DVD-RW's are the equivalent of really big floppy discs or CD-RW's. You can store data to them and then erase them later to change what you have stored on them. If you are looking for a permanent storage method I would use a DVD-R, but if you want to write to the disc many times then you should use a DVD-RW. You only need to format it if you are erasing it completely.
2006-12-28 07:10:08 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
DVD-RW as far as i know is not intended for data storage, it intended for several times of usage, store and erase. about formating the RW disc, yeah it may take a lot of time because usually DVD is only 16x speed and much slower for the RW type.
2006-12-28 07:12:27 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would not use DVD's for data storage. If you want reliable storage, buy an external hard drive, back everything up, then unplug it and stick it away on a shelf.
I've lost too much to DVD's. They don't retain their data.
2006-12-28 07:11:24 · answer #4 · answered by The Psycho 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A DVD-Rw is the same as a regular DVD-R, only its just erasable....
2006-12-28 07:16:13 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋