Which CD\DVD type do I use for storage?

tinateaspoon

I have several different types of blank disc (CD-R, DVD+R, DVD-R & 4xDVD+R), and according to the packaging they all seem to do much the same - but which should I use for which?

There must be a reason why they make different types!

Confused!

Basil1234

all depends on factors
1.what types will your drive handle +,- or both
2.what is the size of the info you trying to save if under 700mb the cd is the choice if over you will have to go dvd which on a single layer is 4.7gb.
3.if going to dvd you will need to run your own burning software to actually burn it. i personally use ashampoo burning studio 9 atm but alot of people use nero.
many other factors out there but you havent said what you want to burn to what file type(as a physical dvd you can put in a machine or data dvd which will keep as a normal computer data etc) or size.

basically + is one type of film and - is another and pretty much of a much really but others will agree/disagree

KillerWatt

There are quite a few differences between + & - recordable media where DVD is concerned, but for your purpose all that matters is that you are burning a "DATA" disc and you finalise the session at the very least.

If you are doing this for "backup" purposes, I'd recommend something slightly more redundant than recordable optical media.

ddoris

"something slightly more redundant than recordable optical media." - Don't understand this!! Guess you don't mean carved in granite.

John_Gray

I suspect that what Mr K Watt means is that CDs and DVDs will have a life measured in years, probably less than ten, and you should choose at least one additional storage mechanism, such as USB Flash drive, or external hard disk, etc, if you mean to keep the data safe and readable for a lengthy period of time. Never rely on just one backup medium!

Various CD and DVD manufacturers developed their own variants of CDs and DVDs, and over time optical drive manufacturers have implemented most types for customer convenience. Personally I use CD-R and DVD+R, and avoid the RW versions, because I've found that those are supported by the greatest number of drive types, and are reliable. But, heh, other people will have other ideas!

Wikipedia's article on optical disk drives might be vaguely of interest...

tronator

John_Gray wrote: »

I suspect that what Mr K Watt means is that CDs and DVDs will have a life measured in years, probably less than ten, ...

Some even one or two years or less ...

aliEnRIK

Choose the best quality media you have (sony, TDK or whatever), as theyll last longer than the cheap cr*p ones