| Optical discs (CDs and DVDs) come in various | | | | allow you to both read and write data in CDs and |
| formats. If followed by the suffix -ROM, it means | | | | DVDs. It is a complete all-in-one solution. |
| that the optical disc use Read Only Memory. You | | | | If you are content to use CDs, you can purchase a |
| cannot write additional data onto the disc. If followed | | | | CD writer which can read and write data onto a CD. |
| by the suffix -R or +R, the optical disc can only be | | | | Note that you will not be able to read DVD discs in a |
| used to record data -- but only one. If followed by | | | | CD drive. DVD drives, however, can read and write |
| the suffix -RW or +RW, you can use the optical disc | | | | data on both CDs and DVDs. Thus, if you purchase a |
| to store data over and over again. | | | | DVD writer, you will no longer need your old optical |
| In order to use optical discs, you need an optical | | | | drive. |
| drive. Many complete systems come equipped with a | | | | When selecting an optical drive, faster is always |
| CD writer and DVD player combo, but this optical | | | | better. An 8X DVD writer will need more time to |
| drive will not permit you to write data onto DVD-R, | | | | copy files than a 16X DVD writer. |
| DVD+R, DVD-RW or DVD+RW discs. If you want to | | | | As always, your computer hardware choices are |
| store or burn information onto a DVD disc -- which | | | | constrained by the amount of extra space inside |
| can hold gigabytes of data compared to the CD's | | | | your computer case. If you are out of space, you |
| megabyte capacity -- you will need to invest in a | | | | can still own an optical drive, but it will have to be |
| DVD writer. | | | | placed outside of your case. These optical drives are |
| A DVD writer is a good PC upgrade because it can | | | | called external optical drives. |