Taking Care of Data CDs

While new, improved storage media have been introduced recently, CDs have managed to hold their own. They are inexpensive, easily available and have enough storage capacity, for the average user to continue using data CDs. These data CDs can be used to store files and folders and cannot be played in a stereo system.

Understanding Data CDs

There are two types of blank CDs: CD-R which is Recordable and CD-RW which is Rewritable. There are a few basic differences between the CD-R and the CD-RW. CD-Rs can be used to make Audio CDs while CD-RWs cannot be played on stereo systems.
CD-Rs can be read by CD-ROMs, CD-Recordable and CD Rewritable drives whereas CD-RWS can only be read by Rewritable ROMs. CD-Rs are used when data does not have to be erased and CD-RWs are used when flies are updated. CD-Rs work well as archive storage while CD-RWs are perfect for backups.

All standard data CDs use the standard data storage mode1. Data is stored in the same format as they are in audio CDs, the difference being the 2,352 bytes of data in each block are further broken down. There are extra bytes which are used for detecting errors and correction. Mode 2 Data CDs do not contain the extra bytes for error detection and correction.

Data CD Maintenance

Data CDs are used to contain a lot of valuable data. The way we function in the modern world makes this data extremely valuable. If the data is lost, it can lead to some difficult consequences. Therefore, we need to maintain our data CDs with special care. CDs are not hardy and indestructible devices. In fact, they are susceptible to rough handling, dust and extreme weather conditions.

Ideally, CDs should be stored in a dry and cool environment. They must be placed in suitable cases and labelled. Labelling the CDs ensures that a person will use only the data CD required at a particular time. This prevents unnecessary handling and overuse. The case offers protection against dust and scratches that might result from rubbing against another object. CDs should definitely not be subjected to humidity. After a CD has been used it should be put back in its case and not left lying around. One should also hold a CD in a manner that won’t leave scratches or wet patches.

CDs Going Bad

As mentioned earlier, CDs are not indestructible. They usually have a shelf life and they have to be changed every couple of years. The slightest scratch can result in data loss. Humidity can corrupt files that are stored on a CD. Virus attacks can harm all the data on a CD. Further, natural disasters too can destroy CDs quite easily.

When a CD appears to show an error and the data cannot be accessed, it could be because of various reasons. A soft suede cloth can gently be wiped across the CD, to try and remove any possible dust particle. If the dust is visible and can be removed, the CD might work. If the CD seems ok, then one could check the lens drive for dirt or dust being the cause. An air brush or suction brush can be used to absorb the dust.

If the simple first aid measures fail to get positive results, it could mean that there is a more serious error. At this point, it is best not to tamper with the error-prone CD further, as data might be lost permanently. To recover data urgently, one could take the CD to a data recovery expert. 90% of all lost data can be recovered. Therefore, a professional should be able to recover data from the damaged CD.

Conclusion

All computer users must understand the fragile nature of CDs. Data CDs do us a great service by storing valuable data. In return, we need to take extra precaution to maintain and handle these CDs in an appropriate manner. If data CDs are used as backup media, they need to be changed at frequent intervals. If data CDs are used for archival purposes, they have to be stored with a great deal of care.

The world of Internet technology is absolutely limitless in its potential as long as we understand the fragile nature of all its components. Data loss is a fact of life and as yet, we do not have non-destructible storage media. That said, data CDs, can be great storage media if they are handled with care.

Article Source: http://www.myaddirectory.com

James Walsh is a freelance writer and copy editor. If you are concerned about data loss and would like more information on Data Recovery see www.fields-data-recovery.co.uk

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