General
Working With Storage Media
For storing and transferring information between multiple computers, it is best to use a media storage device. The two primary devices used currently are CD-R or CD-RW discs and USB drives. This document covers general information about, and advantages of use for, these storage devices. Further, this document will present some general safety tips to adhere to when using these storage devices in order to guarantee optimal use.
CD-R and CD-RW Discs
When saving and storing information on a Compact Disc Recordable (CD-R) or Compact Disc ReWritable (CD-RW), it is important to know how to save and store information, how much information you can save and store, and how to protect your CD-R or CD-RW disc ensuring that your information is not lost or damaged.
Amount of Information Which Can Be Stored
CD-R and CD-RW discs are available in 120mm and 80mm sizes. 120mm discs are commonly utilized in personal and commercial use because this size disc stores the most minutes of audio and the largest amounts of data. 80mm discs are not as common due to their smaller storage capabilities, 21minutes of audio and 185 megabytes (MB) of data. However, since 80mm discs are very compact, they are becoming more popular in personal use. Listed below are the minutes of audio and megabytes (MB) of data each size of CD-R and CD-RW can store.
Capacity: Audio |
21 min |
74 min |
80 min |
90 min |
99 min |
|
Capacity: Data |
185 MB |
680 MB |
700 MB |
790 MB |
870 MB |
|
CD-R or CD-RW 80mm |
X |
|||||
CD-RW 120mm |
X |
X |
||||
CD-R 120mm |
X |
X |
X |
X |
The most common CD-R and CD-RW discs sold commercially and used personally are the 120mm 680 MB and 700 MB discs.
Storing Information on a CD-R or CD-RW
To store audio information or data from a computer to a CD-R or CD-RW disc, a CD recorder drive, which is a special kind of CD-ROM drive, is necessary. CD recorder drives are a standard feature on campus computers at UW-Eau Claire.
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For information on saving files to a CD-R or CD-RW, refer to Saving Files to a Compact Disk. Information recorded on a CD-R disc cannot be erased, removed, or written over. Information recorded on a CD-RW disc can be rewritten up to a 1000 times. Due to this difference however, the copying speed of a CD-RW disc is slower than that of a CD-R.
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If a CD-R or CD-RW disc is exposed to rapid temperature fluctuations or the information surface is scratched, burned, severally smudged, wet, or exposed to any petroleum based solvent, information stored on the CD may be damaged or lost.
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Keep a backup storage source of all important information. If you don't want to recreate data, you should have a backup of it on a different CD-R or CD-RW disc. For extra security, backup information should be kept at an off-site location.
General Tips for Storing and Protecting a CD
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Make sure all CD discs are stored in a booklet designed for CD storage or a CD slim-lined case. To prevent scratching, store only one CD disc in any slim-lined case or booklet CD storage slot.
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Avoid bending or cracking the disc as this may make the disc unusable.
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Store in a cool dry place. Direct sunlight or too much heat may thermally stress the disc causing the information layer to degrade
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When labeling use only a felt tip water-based marker on the side that is not the information layer.
NOTE: The information layer is distinguished by a organic covering which will reflect a silver, silver alloy, or gold coloring. -
If smudges or marks appear on the CD information layer, you can clean it using a soft, smooth cloth. To wipe marks from the information layer of the CD, start at the middle of the CD and wipe using an outward (toward the CD's edge) motion.
NOTE: If you use a cleaning product when cleaning the information layer, make sure that it is an alcohol based product. No other type of product should be used as it could cause damage to the information layer of the disc. -
Older CD-ROM drives may not always be compatible with CD-R and CD-RW discs. Due to this, some CD-R and CD-RW discs may be rendered unreadable in these drives.
USB Drives
USB drives are also used for media storage. They were first invented in 1998 by IBM and have been commonly used for personal media storage since 2000-2001. A USB drive operates as a storage media device much in the same way a diskette does. Information can be saved and erased from a computer's hard drive on to the USB drive. A USB drive is small, lightweight, durable (due in large part to their protective casing), and can store several gigabytes (GB). Typically, USB drives used for personal media storage store up to, or some times less than, 1 GB. Most USB drives used for personal storage will be compatible with UW-Eau Claire campus computers.
Useful USB Drive Information
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USB drives can be used only when they are plugged into either an external or internal USB port of a computer.
NOTE: UW-Eau Claire campus computers that support Windows have external USB ports located on the front of their towers or the left side of their screens. UW-Eau Claire campus computers which support MAC OS X have external USB ports located on the back of their towers or on the top, right side of the of their keyboards. -
USB drives require no battery or external power source.
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As with diskettes and CDs, damage is not as frequently incurred through excess dust or scratches to the USB drive. Their plastic casing and covering cap make USB drives extremely durable.
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USB drives have an extremely long user life. However after a long period of time, the USB drive may experience operational errors.
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Keep a backup of all important information. If you don't want to recreate data, you should have a backup of it on a different USB flash drive (if possible) or at an off-site location.
