When good CD-Rs go bad

[fubar]

Hard drives are so cheap now, I backup my data on spare drives. I have one in a USB enclosure that I use with a folder matching software to make exact copies of what I choose to backup. I only use CD's for music now.

[Spooky Man G]

Granted, there is a small risk, but remember what the CD replaced. Try installing Unreal Tournament 2004 with floppies. You WILL get a good workout after the install. I think its safe to say the CD's are worth the risk And so far, they havent made Install drives

[fubar]

I couldn't agree with you more, Spooky. But my intent was not to imply doing away with Cd's all together. I just don't use them anymore to backup my data off my computer.

I am reading more and more lately how they are discovering that the cd's are not lasting near as long as first thought. In fact, some begin breaking down and losing data within a few years, no matter how they are stored.

Maybe for the pressed cd's it's different. I haven't really read or heard any data on that aspect of the issue. Most of what I've read had to do with the burned cd's.

Anywho, I've decided not to take the chance and backup my data to hard drives.

Just my $.02 worth.

Fubar

[thelordglen]

Good to here that your drive is still working. i had some issues with Blue spots on some of my CD-RW which no longer work what do you think would be the cause of that

[SuperSparks]

Heat???? CDRW's are particularly sensitive to heat and I imagine it gets pretty hot in Perth at times.

[Train]

Originally posted by thelordglen
Good to here that your drive is still working. i had some issues with Blue spots on some of my CD-RW which no longer work what do you think would be the cause of that

Sounds like the sunlight got to them and combined with the heat, that destroys cds real quick.

[Spooky Man G]

Sounds like the sunlight got to them and combined with the heat, that destroys cds real quick.

You know what kills 'em quicker? skeet shootin with them. If you have too many coasters laying around, pull out the gun and have some fun!

CD's are great. Especially with the new drives. With speeds of over 6,000 KB (not bits) that's friggin fast compared to most other transfer rates. Most other things are measured in bits (ethernet, USB, FireWire, etc.). And just the sound of the thing humming in heavy use is music to my ears.

[thelordglen]

Yeah true it gets that hot here that you nearly have to fall asleep in the pool lol or you sleep outside