As the manager of a computer store, one of the areas in which you must be proficient is DVD-ROM drives. You have a general understanding of what CD-ROM drives and DVD-ROM drives are and how they differ. However, you want to gain more in-depth information on DVD-ROM drives. For example, you want to know how much data they can store or the difference between DVD-RAM versus DVD-R.

Like other audio and video items, you can find cutting-edge information and training on DVD-ROMs on the Internet. Increase your DVD-ROM drives education and training by doing the following:

1. Take courses in order to become familiar with DVD-ROM hardware.

2. Use online tutorials to become skilled at knowing the differences in DVD-ROM formats.

3. Become familiar with the latest DVD-ROM drives via reviews.

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

Learn how to install external DVD-ROM drives through courses

Taking courses on DVD-ROM drives is the best way of obtaining DVD-ROM drives education and training. You don't need physically to attend school. Instead, you can take online courses. You just watch the video to learn how to install the DVD-ROM drive. These classes also show you how to troubleshoot the drive.

I recommend: Learning Tree International offers courses on DVD-ROM drives. Learn how to install and configure them. Check eLearners, another website that provides a DVD-ROM course. This is an online video course.

Learn about DVD-ROM drives through online tutorials

Online tutorials are great ways to acquire DVD-ROM drives education and training. Not only will such tutorials show you how to install the drives, but you'll learn about components that make up DVD-ROM drives. You can also learn about different types and the latest types of drives on the market. For example, you will understand the difference between DVD-RAM versus DVR-R.

I recommend: TimeforDVD offers comprehensive information on DVD-ROM drives. Discover physical and applications formats of the DVD-ROM drive. Hardware Secrets also provides good information on DVD-ROM drives. For example, you will learn the difference between DVD-RW versus DVD+R.

Educate yourself on the latest computer DVD-ROM drives through reviews

Since you manage a computer store, you need to learn about the latest DVD-ROM hardware on the market. Reading reviews on the computer DVD-ROM drive is the best way for you to stay on top of this market. For example, you can read reviews on Blu-ray PC DVD-ROM hardware. Reviews will give you information such as the drive's features, performance, and the software that comes with it.

I recommend: PCSTATS offers good information on DVD-ROM drives. You will learn about their specifications and performance. CDRLabs provides in-depth information on the latest DVD-ROM drives that have come out on the market.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure you store all of the step-by-step procedures for solving problems with DVD-ROM drives. You may have to refer to them at a later date.

DVD-ROM drives are useful pieces of computer hardware, allowing you to watch movies and store and read information. DVDs have a much greater capacity for data storage than CDs, so if your business uses discs to transfer data or send products to clients, buying computer DVD-ROM drives can greatly enhance this need. Whether you need to replace a DVD-ROM drive in your desktop computer, or want to buy additional external DVD-ROM drives for the computers in your office, you can find the products you need online.

Know your options from online vendors when buying DVD-ROM drives online, including:

1. Shop for a DVD-ROM drive on a website offering multiple models and customer reviews.
2. Purchase external DVD-ROM drives for desktop or laptop machines.
3. Save when you buy used DVD-ROM drives.
   

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

Buy DVD-ROM drives from sites offering customer reviews

A lot of websites sell DVD-ROM drives, and with the multiple models available for purchase, it can be difficult to know which one best fits your business needs. Make your shopping experience easier by going to a supplier stocking multiple models and offering customer reviews of each product. Read up on what other business consumers have to say about the pros and cons of each product so you can make an informed purchase.

I recommend: TigerDirect.com stocks a wide variety of DVD-ROM and DVD burner drives. Check out their product page to compare prices and specifications and look at individual models to see customer reviews. Easily compare DVD-ROM drives at NewEgg.com by seeing full specifications of each model, as well as online reviews.

Find an external DVD-ROM drive

External DVD-ROM drives are handy pieces of equipment as they act as hardware that can be hooked up to any computer and don't require a physical installation. They function as portable and lightweight accessories to any computer your business uses.

I recommend: Find a number of external DVD-ROM drives at NexTag.com. Their website allows you to compare prices on identical products being sold by multiple vendors. You can also limit your DVD-ROM search based on price or brand. Enter your search for external DVD-ROM drives at Glimpse.com and see matching products offered by multiple online suppliers.

Buy used DVD-ROM hardware online

If your company needs DVD-ROM drives but wants to save money on equipment, look for online dealers selling refurbished or used DVD-ROM drives. These won't cost as much as new models, but can still operate just as efficiently.

I recommend: PowerSource Online stocks thousands of used DVD-ROM drives that are ready to ship. See their website for product specification, price, and information about where the used drive is being shipped from. iFixit carries used DVD-ROM drives for use with Macintosh computers, offers warranties on all used products, and guarantees that their used products have been tested and are functional.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Whether you're buying new or used DVD-ROM drives, be sure you compare warranties before making a purchase. Be sure your business will be assured of working equipment without having to pay for repairs and maintenance.
• •  If you need a DVD-ROM drive that can create as well as read DVDs, read the specifications carefully before making a purchase. Be sure you buy a drive with the capability to burn DVDs.

As you probably know, DVDs, also known as digital versatile discs or digital video discs, are computer storage devices that are very similar to CDs in size and shape, but have up to seven times the storage capacity. For this reason, DVDs are becoming more widely used for storing large quantities of information, such as images, so it's important that your desktop or notebook have a DVD-ROM drive.

As you examine DVD-ROM drives for your computer system, you will likely run into a few terms that have you stumped. It's important to understand these terms in order to find the best drive for your personal needs.

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

ROM

ROM stands for read-only memory. A DVD-ROM means that the hardware can read and play the DVD, but you can't make changes to the content, unless the unit has a burner function.

I recommend: Visit The PC Guide for more information on ROM.

Read speed

Read speed refers to how quickly the DVD-ROM reads the information on inserted DVDs. This is typically shown by a number, followed by the letter X. To start, a 1X read speed is equal to 0.1536 megabits per second. Older DVD-ROMs list read speeds of 2X or 4X, while newer models advertise speeds of 48X or 56X.

I recommend: Newegg shows read speeds for DVD-ROM drives in the specification section for a particular model.

IDE

IDE stands for integrated drive electronics. IDE, also known as ATA, is the most common interface connection for internal DVD-ROM drives.

I recommend: Earthlink explains IDE and other interface devices in more detail.

SCSI

SCSI, pronounced 'scuzzy,' stands for small computer system interface, and you can also connect your internal DVD-ROM drive with it. The benefit of a SCSI is that, when used as the only means of interface for your computer system, you can hook more hardware up to your desktop than other interfaces allow.

I recommend: Paralan offers answers to frequently asked questions about SCSI interfaces.

USB

USB stands for universal serial bus and is the most common interface for connecting an external DVD-ROM drive to your computer or laptop. A USB 2.0 connection is faster than regular USB and firewire.

I recommend: Cables to Go offers a USB connectors guide to help you determine what you may need for your external DVD-ROM drive.

Firewire

Firewire, also known as IEEE 1394, is an interface cable (serial bus) used for many external computer devices, and is known for offering high-speed communication between the desktop or notebook and the connected device, such as a DVD-ROM drive.

I recommend: Visit the Tech-FAQ website for more information on the Firewire interface.

External DVD ROM drives are an important piece of equipment to many professions across the board. No matter what you need to find DVD-ROM hardware, it's important to do your research. Different PC DVD-ROM hardware is better for certain jobs, and it's essential to know which does what. Save yourself both money and time by seeking DVD ROM drives advice and ratings from sellers and customers alike.

There are many available resources that can help you to make an informed decision on buying a DVD-ROM from one of the many DVD-ROM hardware providers. Consider the following resources for obtaining DVD-ROM drives advice and ratings:

1. Consumer websites have done research on DVD-ROM drives for you.

2. Online technology forums allow an interactive discussion about the best and the worst of DVD-ROM hardware.

3. Those who sell DVD-ROM drives often have great advice and ratings to offer.

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

Enlist the help of DVD-ROM hardware product review websites

Online product reviews can help you asses DVD-ROM drives based on what actual consumers are saying about their experiences with each product. These are likely to be the most raw computer DVD-ROM drive advice and ratings due to the fact that consumer like you write them. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that those who write these reviews aren't necessarily experts in the field of DVD ROM drives; they are simply sharing their personal experiences and advice.

I recommend: CDRLabs.com provides its own reviews, as well as leaving an option for consumer comments. ConsumerSearch gives each product a rating and opens it up to consumer reviews, as well.

Browse online chat boards and forums for advice on DVD-ROM drives

Interactive online forums and chat boards allow you to have a back-and-forth discussion with both external DVD ROM drive professionals as well as average consumers. These open forums allow anyone to chime in and answer questions or offer DVD-ROM hardware advice and ratings for you to read. You can ask your own questions or share your knowledge with other business professionals who are also searching for the best PC DVD-ROM hardware for their business.

I recommend: DaniWeb is an online interactive Information Technology forum. AfterDawn has different chat boards and forums for those seeking advice and ratings on DVD-ROM hardware.

Explore online technology stores for DVD-ROM drives advice and ratings

Online stores that sell computer DVD-ROM drives often not only provide their own product review of the items they sell, but they also allow other customers who have purchased that item to share their reviews. These websites are great resources, because they allow you to compare several different options as well as purchase the item on the same website. Do your research to assure that the website isn't biased toward its own products and consider what the customers who have actually bought that product have to say.

I recommend: TigerDirect gives a detailed review for each DVD-ROM drive that it sells, as well as a customer review section. PC World has a large number of products to review and a large customer-review feature for when you're ready to buy a DVD-ROM drive.