How to Buy a CD-ROM, CD-R, or CD-RW Drive

What are they?        

CD-ROM drives are critical to everyday computing life. CDs bring music, literature, and video to your desktop, allow you to share animation, multimedia presentations, and software applications, and introduce you to the latest 3D games, medical journals, and reference materials. Once you upgrade to the world of the latest and greatest CD technology you will wonder how you ever got by without it.

For years, computer systems have come standard with at least one CD-ROM drive. However, today's technological advances offer other, more versatile CD options to consumers than the traditional read-only CD-ROM drive. Advanced options include CD-Recorder drives that can write or record data only once to a CD, CD-Rewriter drives that can write, erase, and rewrite data to a CD, or faster, and more flexible CD-ROM drives that can also read media produced in a CD-R or CD-RW drive. You should consider these options when ordering a new computer or upgrading your current drive.

Why would I need it?         Top of the page

Because your existing CD-ROM drive:

• Produces hiccups or short pauses in your video
• Cannot read discs created by a CD-Recorder or CD-Rewriter
• Is 8-speed or less

A faster CD drive transfers data more quickly, resulting in smoother video displays. But, there's more to just smooth video displays and faster data transfers to consider before you upgrade. It's a great opportunity to consider upgrading to a complete mass storage solution with a CD-Recorder or CD-Rewriter. Prices for both CD storage solutions are lower than ever and among the lowest cost per megabyte of stored data. And both read regular CD-ROMs as well as creating virtually lifelong records of data on discs that can store about 650MB each. That amount of data storage is beneficial to businesses small and large, as well as graphics professionals, computer enthusiasts, and novices alike.

What a new CD-ROM, CD-Recorder, or CD-Rewriter drive can do for you:

			CD  -ROM		CD     -R		CD  -RW
· Read CD, CD-R, & CD-RW media*			X		X		X
· Increase software performance			X		X		X
· Play music CDs			X		X		X
· Use learning tools			X		X		X
· Play games			X		X		X
· Customize your own music & data CDs					X		X
· Long-term, low-cost data storage solution					X		X
· Store up to 650MB of data					X		X
· Share data with friends/family/colleagues					X		X
· Distribute & update works-in-progress							X
*Some older CD-ROM drives cannot read CD-R and CD-RW

CD-RW drives offer the best of all worlds. They write to CD-R discs, which resolves issues for the security minded. Of course, they write and rewrite to CD-RW discs for limitless flexibility. And they read all CD-ROM discs at high-performance speeds. And because each CD-R and CD-RW disc has a 650MB data capacity, it's more than enough storage space for just about all your needs.

How do I install and use it?         Top of the page

Before installing or attaching any component to your computer, read and follow the manufacturer's installation instructions carefully.

Installing a CD-ROM drive on your computer can be as complicated or as simple as you make it. The purchase of a Plug and Play kit allows you to make the easiest transition from your old drive to the new, and most include an interface cable, a power cable, and software that helps to install the CD drive. Review the product information carefully before you purchase to know exactly what is included with the drive.

Internal drives mount in your 5.25-inch half-height drive bay, which is a shelf inside your computer that is about 6 inches wide and allows only the face of the drive to show.

First, unscrew the drive's brackets and gently slide it out of the bay. Carefully study how the cables are connected so you can easily connect the new drive. Disconnect the drive's power supply (usually on the right side), interface (usually a flat, ribbon cable) and audio cables (connected to your sound card).

Before sliding the new drive into the bay, connect the cables exactly as they were with the old drive. Then, slide the drive into the bay and screw it into the brackets just as the other drive was. Install the software drivers that came with the drive. If no software disc is available, check the manufacturer's web site for available drivers to download. Reboot your computer.

External drives are installed by simply connecting the interface between the drive and computer.

How do I go about buying one?         Top of the page

Whether you're shopping for a CD-ROM, CD-R, or CD-RW drive, there are a few important attributes that are necessary to consider before buying. You must determine first if you want an internal or external drive and then the type of interface. You should also consider the drive's speed as it's directly linked to its ability to transfer data.

Interface: The interface is the connection between your CD drive and computer. Your CD drive uses this link to send and receive data. The decision between interfaces comes down to a matter of personal preference. First, take into consideration if you would like to upgrade to an internal drive, which installs directly into your computer, or an external drive, which sits next to your desktop PC or travels on the road with your notebook computer.

Internal drives use SCSI or EIDE interface:

	SCSI (Small Computer System Interface, pronounced scuzzy): SCSI interfaces are faster than EIDE, but are also more expensive and more complicated to use. You must have a SCSI interface card installed in your PC to use a SCSI device. If you don't, you will have to purchase one and install it along with the drive, which is recommended only for experienced computer users.
	EIDE (Enhanced Integrated Drive Electronics): EIDE interfaces boast Plug and Play capability, which means that Windows 95 or 98 will automatically recognize your new CD drive, making the installation process quick and easy. If you want to add an IDE-based CD drive, you also must also add an IDE interface card. However, the majority of the computer systems today use an EIDE interface.

External drives use Parallel Port, PCMCIA, and USB interfaces:

	Parallel Port: Parallel ports connect to your computer's printer port and usually include a printer pass-through, which allows you to connect both the drive and printer simultaneously. This saves you from having to connect and reconnect the drive and printer when using one or the other. Parallel port connectors are typically more convenient than PC Cards, but offer slower data transfer rates.
	PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association): A PCMCIA card, or PC Card, is a credit card-sized device that slides into a PC Card slot. This interface is common to notebook computer users and is known more for its convenience than performance. PC Card slots are often used for more than one device and constant swapping usually results in wear and tear on the slot.
	USB (Universal Serial Bus): USB interfaces are among the newest type and are faster than parallel ports, but slower than PCMCIA interfaces. Your computer will automatically recognize any USB device as soon as it's plugged in and up to 127 devices can be added to one USB port. It's likely USB will replace parallel ports in the near future.

The Best Interface: Stick With What You Got

Why make things difficult? Look for a drive with the same interface that your current system uses. This will eliminate the need to purchase an additional interface card or risk hardware conflicts. And both SCSI and EIDE interfaces are capable performers for desktop systems. For notebooks, PCMCIA or PC Card interfaces are more convenient because of their light weight and small size.

Internal or External? Desktop or Notebook?

Internal drives are usually faster than external drives and they preserve precious desk space. External drives, though, are easier to install - just plug them in and run the installation software - and you can virtually take them with you wherever you go. If you absolutely require portability for your notebook computer or want to share the drive between two or more desktop systems, an external drive is the way to go. For a single desktop system, an internal drive is the answer.

Speed: Faster is Better

Speed is an important aspect of a drive and is measured by a drive rating which is the number before the letter "X". For example, 24X is a 24-speed drive. Speed is the easiest way to determine the performance of a CD drive and faster is better. CD-R drives list two speeds with the fastest always being the read speed and slowest is the recording speed. CD-RW drives list three speeds, which are write, rewrite, and read speeds. All of our CD-RW speeds are listed in the following order: write, rewrite, read.

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