Optical Drives (CDs and DVDs)
By: James Walsh

Though things seem to be very simple on the surface, the process of converting data into binary notation comprising of 0s and 1s is fraught with many difficulties and complexities. Even more challenging is the task of choosing the right storage media for this digitized data. Over the years various storage media were introduced in the market to quench this insatiable thirst for storage space. This list of available options was further widened with the introduction of CD-R into the markets in 1979.

Sony and Philips were the first to invent an optical CD. At that time it had a very limited storage capacity and was used for carrying very small amounts of data. In the beginning, owing to their high cost, CDs failed to pick up as the preferred storage device. However, in the proceeding years, as their prices became reasonable, the sale of CDs picked up and they completely replaced floppies as the storage and backup media.

The storage capacity of optical media was further enhanced with the introduction of DVDs in 1995. DVDs work almost on the same principle as the CDs, though they have an exceptionally high storage capacity as compared to CDs. Optical media have a long life span ranging from 10 to 100 years. They are user friendly and offer a medium speed so far as the processing of data is concerned. Hence optical media have increasingly become popular as one of the most preferred storage and backup devices.

Advantages of using Optical Drives

1) Cost Effective

Almost all the new computers are fitted with DVD writers which can also be used for reading and writing CDs. DVD writers are easily available in the market at a reasonable price. The optical disks offer one of the lowest costs per byte of data. The prices of optical media are further expected to come down in the near future.

2) User Friendly

No special knowledge or expertise is required to use optical drives. The relevant software and hardware can easily be installed in any computer.

3) Reliability

Optical disks are perhaps the most reliable of all the storage media. It is very easy to access the data saved on an optical disk.

4) Hardy

Optical disks are relatively rugged storage media and are quiet resistant to mishandling, over use and unfavourable storage conditions.

5) Easy Availability

DVDs and CDs are easily available in almost all the leading stores dealing in computer ware.

6) High Capacity

Optical disks and especially DVDs offer a very high storage capacity. Up to 4.38 GB can be saved in a single-sided/single layer DVD. A double-sided/double layer DVD can accommodate up to 15.9 GB of data. Considering the recent developments in the high capacity dual layer technology, the storage capacity of optical disks is expected to increase even further.

7) Offsite Backup

CDs and DVDs are very light and portable. Hence they can easily be transferred to offsite locations for backup purposes.

8) Compact

Optical disks do not require a very large storage area and can comfortably be stored on a single spindle.

9) Multiple Copies

CDs and DVDs can be used to prepare multiple copies of any vital or mission critical data. This certainly ensures an efficient and safe storage and backup.

10) Instant Random Access

Optical disks facilitate an instant random access to data. Access to the saved data is free of the sequence in which the files and folders are saved on an optical disk.

Demerits of Optical Drives

1) Cost Factor

Optical disks still tend to be very costly for saving and backing up data generated by large computer networks. Other storage media such as magnetic tapes prove to be very cost effective in this context.

2) Duplication

Without the help of relevant software and hardware, it is very difficult to make multiple copies of the data saved on a CD or DVD.

3) Data Loss

Optical disks are very sensitive to the environment in which they are stored. Any exposure to light, high temperature or moisture may damage an optical disk thereby leading to a data loss situation.

4) Obsolescent

With the coming of new state of the art storage media such as thumb drives and flash drives, the CDS and DVDs may become obsolete in the times to come.

Data loss from Optical Disks

Though optical disks make quiet sturdy storage media, still they are susceptible to data loss due to mishandling, over use, abuse and inappropriate storage. In such a situation, one can use one of the DIY recovery software available in the market or on the internet to restore the lost data. However, a severe damage may necessitate the help of some reputed data recovery company to salvage the lost data.

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

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

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