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General discussion

Newbie CD-RW question

Apr 18, 2005 7:15AM PDT

What can be stored on CD-RW?
Is it just for music and photos or can you also store word/word processing files? Just bought a laptop for my daughter for college and I want to know what are her storage options. I did get a 256 MB flash drive also.

Discussion is locked

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Anything that will fit
Apr 18, 2005 8:16AM PDT

Any file that does not exceed the capacity of the disk will fit. In fact, software that can span multiple disks can be used to store even larger files but this should not be a problem. You said CD-RW which means it's rewritable. It will require formatting and this will mean some loss in capacity. CD-Rs a dirt cheap and, using "multisession" can be added to until they fill. CD-Rs are an excellent way to backup your other software disks. Put the originals away for safe keeping and use the copies for software installation. This is legal.

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What's needed
Apr 19, 2005 12:59AM PDT

CD-RW media is removable and re-usable CDs and/or if CDR media a one time usage. Both can be used on a CD-RW burner. Also, since you mentioned flash drive, get it as well. Its a more practical on the move type of media as students may need to d/l from the classroom, any assignements from the room computer or library and very flexible for such tasks, 256mb is very good. Students I know have reported the use of 250mb ZIP drives as well as another option to get assignments.

tada -----Willy Happy

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One more question
Apr 19, 2005 1:59AM PDT

Thanks for the info. One more question
The CD-RW is 24x. Do I have to use only 24x blanks?

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You can use about any speed
Apr 20, 2005 10:53AM PDT

Most today are over 24x. If your burner software knows the drive, it won't let you set it higher. You can use slower media just by setting the burn speed to the lower number. You certainly can use the higher speed rated media. 24x isn't all that bad. Mine will burn faster but I usually run it less than full speed thinking I will make fewer coasters that way.

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Just about anything providing it fits!
Apr 24, 2005 10:43PM PDT

You can store practically anything on a CD-Rom, however if all you need to store are word files etc then the flash drive will more than suffice. It will also be easier and quicker in most cases to store your data on the Flash drive rather than burning a CD.

You often need specialist software to burn CD's also (a limited copy of which is normally provided with your laptop or CD burner!).