Disc copying is only one of the many things that CD and DVD burners can do for you. Use your CD DVD burner to save files, make backups, or create a movie. The possibilities are endless, and the stored data can be critical.

CD and DVD burners are an excellent addition to any CPU. Gone are the days of zip drives and floppy disks. USB sticks are a bit too temporary, and instead your CD burner or DVD burner will give you a lasting, tangible record of your files.

To make the most of your CD DVD burner purchase:

1. Decide how much storage you need when you burn files. Are you looking to store smaller files on many disks (in which case you could get away with just a CD burner), or do you need disks that each store large quantities of data (in which case a DVD burner or CD DVD burner may better suit your need)?

2. Determine your budget.

3. Ask your retailer if the manufacturer is currently offering any rebates.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase an internal disc copying CD DVD burner device

Sites like Visionman or Newegg offer you online stores to purchase your CD and DVD writers. Super Media Store and TigerDirect also offer you internal models.

I recommend: Visionman is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner and an Intel Channel Premier Partner. They have been in business for over 12 years, they also come to you as a Better Business Bureau Online Reliability program. Newegg has burners starting in the mid-twenties. Super Media Store is consumer friendly, and TigerDirect regularly has many items on sale.

Consider external CD and DVD burners

Major electronics chains like Best Buy and Circuit City are great places to find an external DVD burner or an external CD burner. You can also purchase them at the online retailers mentioned above.

I recommend: Check out Best Buy's selection starting below $100. At RadioShack you can find trusted brands like Iomega. External drives are great if budgets are tight, and you have to accomodate many computers. The drives can be used and shared from computer to computer as needed.

Check out what the reviewers have to say about CD and DVD burners

CNET offers feedback on the recommended hard drives and CD DVD burners. Consumer Reports is another great resource for you to check out the best brands as well.

I recommend: CNET offers you searches by price range, by manufacturer, or by type or format. They also give you the latest and hottest discussions on drives and burners. You can sign up for an online subscription to Consumer Reports direct from their website. They offer you a trusted, independent name in the business for truthful feedback on potential purchases.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Remember to purchase plenty of digital media to use with your CD and DVD writers. Purchasing these in bulk will save you trips to the store as well as cash.
• •  Also invest in hard jewel cases for disk storage. They will decrease your risk of accidental breakage.