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General discussion

getting organized

Nov 30, 2004 7:39PM PST

I don't think a day goes by without a post from someone needing help and they can't find or have lost the CD they need. This is an easy way to stay organized and save yourself time.

I have several CD cases I use to store all of the "important" CDs. I have one for each computer I own to store the operating system CD, drivers, factory installed software or restore CD sets that came with the computer.

I also have one that stores all of the programs I have installed along with the installation CDs for my peripherals and other hardware. These CD storage cases are cheap and easy to find. You can find them at any computer or other retail store and they come in a variety of sizes.

Discussion is locked

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Re: getting organized
Nov 30, 2004 8:17PM PST

Very good idea glb.

I keep meaning to myself, but, well you know how it is......

Mark

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Something else I do
Nov 30, 2004 8:43PM PST

as I build or repair computers now, I tape to the inside of a side coverplate of the case a complete hardware list of everything in it.....

Motherboard maker and model number, CPU maker and model, sound card maker and model, video, LAN, harddrive maker, size, and model number (and how it's partitioned if it is, cdrom/dvd maker and model number, modem maker and model number, powersupply maker, wattage, and model number, and how much RAM is installed as well as the type.

I also mark on that paper the settings for the CPU.

This way no matter what happens with the computer itself and if the owner takes it to somebody else for the repairs or parts replacement, that info is readily available to anybody who needs it. Great for trouble shooting purposes....especially if the system doesn't boot up. I've pulled out too many head hairs over systems I knew/know nothing about trying to figure out what's wrong because I would have to pull hardware to get indentification for it from the cards, motherboard, or CPU.

TONI

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The last motherboards
Nov 30, 2004 9:00PM PST

I have installed have come with a self adhering sticker which I put on the inside door cover. The sticker is a diagram of the board which includes jumper and connector locations including for the front panel locations. In some of the old legacies I used to do, I would put an envelope in the bottom of the case that would contain a configuration sheet with such things as hardware addresses for NICs or even diskettes with drivers for some of the generic sound cards and modems. Since most of these came back to me for support anyway (they are for a K-8 school), this was a time saver.

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Re: Something else I do
Dec 3, 2004 1:18AM PST

Belarc Advisor is a free program that will give you a printout of all of the hardware, software, etc. I do as you, and when I modify a machine I print out a new record and store it in the machine.
al

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Labels
Nov 30, 2004 9:07PM PST

I also purchased a label maker programs for labeling the CD's that I burn for backups. The one that I bought happened to be from Best Buy but all the computer stores have them. Walmart even has them. I paid about 20 bucks for mine and it only took about 15 minutes to install the program and program the printer to automatically detect whether I was printing a label or a regular piece of paper. I put the date and all the contents of the backup on the label, which also comes with a tool to stick it to the CD. Like GLB said, the cases for these CD's are cheap and you don't lose anything this way and you also remember what is on the CD.

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Re: Labels
Dec 1, 2004 8:08AM PST

Roddy, that's a great idea. I had no idea you could buy those labels. But what's the difference between the ones you buy and the ones you get with your burner. I have roxio and it gives me the option. Is your label idea better as far as organizing goes? God, I am all for organizing after my fiasco with idx and right now I have everything backed up on CD's, but eh, noooo labels yet. Thought I would get around to it - later.
Sabina.

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Writing on CD's can be done
Dec 1, 2004 8:41AM PST

supposedly with special markers made for that....I've used regular pointed magic markers without having any problems, but in order to write a lot of information, a paper label for the cd is the better route because most cd's have some type of embedded advertising printed on them.

Wal-Mart has cd paper labels that you can either print to or write on....and a kit as your first purchase will have a plastic label gizmo that makes it easier to get the labels on straight. Neato usually comes with one plus they have labels in packages of 100 or more with two or three on a sheet.

The burner program you have should also have a label maker program with it, and you will just have to choose in that setup which type of labels you have so it knows how to print them.

TONI

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Re: Labels
Dec 1, 2004 12:11PM PST

Yes Sabina,
Your Roxio label maker should work but you still need the labels themselves with the tool to put them on straight. The brand that I have is Neato, the same one that Toni is talking about which you can buy very cheap at Best Buy, Walmart and probably anywhere else too. Like Toni says you can either write on the labels or set the printer up to do it. the program walks you through it. I prefer the printer for the labels because you can set the font size and put more writing on it that way.

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Re: Labels-Why does the packaging say Do NOT attach labels?
Dec 2, 2004 9:20PM PST

Okay -- question: Why is it that some CDRs &/or DVDRs on their packaging say "Do NOT attach label, protective sheets or apply any coating fluids to the disc. When labeling the disc for identification purposes please use a soft, oil-based felt-tip marker on the silver surface or preprinted surface."
I have purchased various brands of CDRs and DVDRs that have this or a similar warning on their packaging. Does this apply to all CDRs or DVDRs - I would assume not otherwise there would be no labels available for use.
Who has the answer?

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Re: Labels-Why does the packaging say Do NOT attach labels?
Dec 2, 2004 9:54PM PST

I have some dvd media that already has a white 'paper' label attached to them with no advertising or embedded printing on it....just plain white. I would assume that another 'label' over the top of it would/could cause the disk to get stuck inside the drawer if the adhesive from my paper label came loose over time or would/could make it too thick to be readable. (much the same way that floppy disks with labels over labels as you used them would do)

I have a number of older cd's that I burned three or four years ago that have 'bubbles' now under the labels I affixed so it's obvious that the adhesive is getting too old to stick properly anymore and could easily cause damage to the interior of the drive should they rip off in small pieces as the cd is inserted into the drawer or in the process of being ejected. (I've made copies of those cd's already and only use the new copy...keeping the old copy in a storage box as a possible 'backup' if needed later in an emergency)

TONI

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Re: Labels-Why does the packaging say Do NOT attach labels?
Dec 2, 2004 10:05PM PST

I have read that the glue used on labels erode the foil part of the disk that is needed for the data. I used to label all of my CDs but since I read about the glue, I now just print with a Sharpie marker. I haven't seen any proof of this being true however.

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NIST says NO LABELS, so do others.
Dec 2, 2004 11:38PM PST

NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) says no labels for long term archives.

Reason - the label degrades, long before the CD/DVD does, as well as possible chemical reaction between the label and the media.

See:

http://www.itl.nist.gov/div895/carefordisc/

for a full blown report.

Note that they also say to only use water based markers but I've found that some CDs require (and state so in the instructions) to use an oil based marker (I've foung Sharpies work well).

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Re: Labels
Dec 6, 2004 6:42AM PST

I was interested in the price you paid lable makers in australia connected to pc are about $80.00 aus but it sounds like a great use will keep an eye out for it if you give me a name is walmart like Kmart??
regards sandiekid

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Re: Labels
Dec 6, 2004 6:46AM PST

Yes, Walmart is like K-Mart. The brand that I use is Neato.

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Re: getting organized
Dec 2, 2004 7:03PM PST

glb.....I realized the prob that you mention about 2 years ago when I needed to re-install a few progs and I needed the discs but ended up always having to search all my STACKS of CDs to find anything I needed. My Solution: The JUMP Drive!! Waaaay better than a cluttered up room full of stacks of CDs! I have found Many 128 meg drives for as little as $15, and they are the best thing since sliced bread!!!! When I copy the progs into it, I also copy the serial key with it. Couldn't begin to say how many Hundreds of bulky 'ol CDs the drives have replaced!!!!

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Re: getting organized
Dec 2, 2004 7:26PM PST

Anything that helps is great in my book. I'm no longer surprised at how disorganized many people are with the CDs, activation numbers, product key numbers and owner manuals that come with their computers or peripherals. I've known people who threw CDs away thinking once it was installed on their computers, they didn't need it anymore. I also lost count of the number of hours I've spend waiting for someone to try and find what they need to repair a problem. And in some cases, there is no way to replace what is lost or missing. Nothing cures carelessness quicker than paying for something twice.

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Re: getting organized
Dec 2, 2004 7:35PM PST

Instead of stick-on labels has anyone considered using a printer that can print on CD's. I have a Canon 865i but there are probably many others. You use printable CD's, which are about the same price as normal CD's, and with the Canon software you can use their backgrounds, write any text (with your own fonts) with effects like shadows, or input any graphic file. The latter can be a little tricky because the middle of the CD obviously doesn't show. The CD you want to print is placed in a flat holder which goes into the front of the printer - in my Canon. If you were making a backup copy of any software you bought on CD, you can scan the original CD and then print the image on the copy - it then looks like the original.

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Re: getting organized
Dec 2, 2004 9:02PM PST

Have you all tried Belarc Advisor? It generates a profile of your computer complete with the key to many of your programs plus a whole host of other nice-to-know what's on your computer items.

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Re: getting organized-Belarc Advisor
Dec 2, 2004 9:40PM PST
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Re: getting organized
Dec 2, 2004 9:52PM PST

Belarc is great if the computer is working properly. If it isn't, Belarc is worthless. If you are going to use Belarc, be sure to run it and print out the information before something bad happens.

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Re: getting organized
Dec 3, 2004 1:17AM PST

Very true GLB, I make a printout at least once a month for emergencies plus I also check it with the old printout to make sure nothing has installed itself that wasn't there before LOL.

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Re: getting organized
Dec 2, 2004 8:58PM PST

While cases are ok I found that using a product called DISCGEAR to be the best for organizing my CD's and DVD's

Presently I use the Selector 100 which holds 100 CD's or DVD's at a time. I am up to 500 DVD's and used their index maker to create an Index card for ease of finding the Disc I want. For Programs with a Key Code I write the code on the dics with a marker pen and also include it in the Disc index. Each selector take only 18" of space on a neat shelf rack I got for Free with the purchase of 3 units. They can be seen at DISCGEAR.COM or at local mini booths in the mall this time of year. The booths sometimes have sales that online does not. I have purchased them for $59.00 when purchacing a batch of them.

While they are a bit on the expensive side($74.95 online) I have never lost a disc or a code since I purchased them. Saved me lots of money rebuying the software due to lost key codes.

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Re: getting organized
Dec 2, 2004 11:18PM PST

?This is intersing a topic for debate, Depending on how involved or your need for organizing.
I have read most of the messages here; there is a wide diversity, so I got to add my two cents also. I started with ?PrintFolder? program to label the CD?S themselves. Later found that this was not enough, though will give a printable list to insert in the CD case.?
PrintFolder 1.2
http://no-nonsense-software.com/freeware/
Handy utility to print or save a list of files located in any folder. Right-click any folder in Windows Explorer and select "PrintFolder" in the popup menu.
ROMdex 80H,$34.95 the case is nice, but the software is the key to organizing the disks
http://www.discgear.com/templates/product.asp?GroupGuid=11043&ProductGuid=3400%2D21&LanguageGuid=EN
?The wife hearing me complain about where the disk were located all the time, and asking my kids what to get me in the computer line for Christmas last year, they came up with the ? KDS CD ORGANIZER ? . It is a USB Computer driven CD Tower holding 75 CD?s, When you want a file, MP3, DVDs, CD, program or etc. Open the software, do a search for what you need and the program finds all the CD that contain it, just select the CD and it opens the tower with your CD. It can index CD?s located in whatever cases or boxes, whatever you are presently using now. The software is the power of the Tower.
Thanks for all the other comments on this discussion, hope this helps. Do the Google search on the subject? There are some really great software programs to get organized.?

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CD Carousels
Dec 3, 2004 12:17AM PST

computerguys.com has the round stackable USB carousels I use (each holds 150 CD's) and includes a database that you can print out for each carousel.

I have three of these units (about $90 each), and once I print the database, I disconnect a full carousel from my PC and use it as a stand-alone unit in other rooms.

One is sitting next to my dvd player because it only holds movies that are burned to one cd.......one is in the kitchen next to my cdplayer because it only holds music cd's. One is still connected to the computer because it has movies and I haven't finished filling up the carousel.

I keep the printed database next to the one with the music cd's because it also has the track info for each cd so I know which slot to turn to for the cd I want.....and it automatically pops the cd out at you when it spins to that slot.

The movie carousels have a booklet that you can mark each slot with the name of the movie so it doesn't have to be printed out. The booklet is just the right size to sit on top of the carousel within easy reach.

cyberguys has another model of the same type of carousel, but more modern looking and they can be daisy-chained to each other for easy stacking, whereas the model I have can be stacked, but you need separate USB ports on your computer for each and they each take their own power supply to a power strip. The newer model is more expensive....but the main reason I didn't buy it was because the older model I have can be easily popped open to retrieve the cd's if something happened internally rendering the carousel unable to spin or get the cd out that you want. I don't know about the newer models.

TONI

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(NT) (NT) cyberguys.com not computerguys.com
Dec 3, 2004 12:19AM PST
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Geeze Toni
Dec 3, 2004 1:23AM PST

Your CD rack is even taller than your quick launch bar. Grin

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Re: Geeze Toni....lololololol
Dec 3, 2004 1:46AM PST

That's true......you should see the two bookcases I have upstairs that holds all my copied vcr movies to cd now to preserve them. I had gone to an auction two years ago during my construction here and for $10 bid got over 2000 vcr movies from the tv rental place that went out of business. Thought I was only getting 25-50 in a 'block' purchase and nobody else bid so I got the entire inventory. NO WAY could I store all of them, so I put them temporarily in my neighbor's basement until my construction was over, then started copying the movies a few boxes at a time to cd......and giving away the vcr tapes to my kids or local nursing homes/child care centers here. I have over 1000 on cd now that I kept for myself and for grandkids when they come to visit. All of those cd's are two cd's per case, and only the single cd's are in the carousel.

Learning about capturing video helped me also learn how to do it with my video/digital camera and now I'm learning how to scan all my old photos into the computer to burn as slide shows onto cd because some of those old photos are disintegrating.

I don't know how I lived without a burner before. LOL Technology is a wonderful gift to me....once I figure it out. lol

TONI

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Re: Geeze Toni....lololololol
Dec 3, 2004 2:23AM PST

I TOO collect movies LOL. I moved from Connecticut to Kansas almost 4 years ago because of my health and I could no longer work. I had no room for the movies (VHS) so I gave away somewhere between 600-700. Now that I am in Kansas, once I got to know my way around, I started buying used ones from a guy at a Flea market in Wichita for 4 bucks apiece, plus I buy them at a Rental Place and also my grocery store. When Walmart went to mainly DVD's I bought a whole bunch of VHS ones (New) for 3 bucks apiece from our local small Walmart LOL. My new Kansas collection is up to 271 already. I am waiting for the price to go down and the speed to go up on DVD recorder/players next LOL.

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Re: getting organized - index cd's
Dec 2, 2004 10:03PM PST

After years of searching for disks, I finally discovered "Advanced Disk Catalog" and indexed all of my software and data cd's. Easy to index and quick to find search terms make it a breeze. The index can be kept on your harddrive, or on CD.

To keep it simple, I sat down and sorted all of my disks into three categories: software, data and mp3. I then numbered all of the disks, using 1000 for data, 3000 for software and 5000 for mp3. This way I can file them numerically, and still have them sorted by category.

I invested in several large CD binders that have standard 3 ring setup, so I can include papers relating to the software, or even insert a plastic sleeve to hold the manuals.

Different colors let me know at a glance if the disks contain software, data, or mp3's.

It's already saved me several times!

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Re: getting organized - index cd's
Dec 3, 2004 12:53AM PST

Most purchased software allows one copy to be made for backup--which I do and keep those in a CD case, which holds 100, for easy access.

For the bulk of the digital backups and clutter (photos, scans, band music wave and mp3 files, etc) I use with a free CD index program called CatFish.

http://www.equi4.com/catfish.html

I scan them in and label the CD's with sequential numbers and store them in the spindle cases they came in. CatFish creates a searchable database of the scanned CD's which makes it a lot easier to find an occasionally needed file. (I've spent hours searching CD's one at a time!)

jimbird