CD-RW, or CD+RW, (Compact Disc Rewritable) discs are an excellent source of media storage due to their reliability, size and low price. Small and thin, they save space both physically, as there’s no need for bulky hard copies, and virtually on your hard drive. In theory, CD-RWs allow you to rewrite information 1000 times, translating into a convenient and economical storehouse for frequently updated information.

Manufacturers claim CD-RW discs have a recorded material shelf life of 25 years; however, this is subject to the conditions the CDRW disks are kept. Since they are such an inexpensive resource, update your information every 5-10 years, which additionally permits you to keep up with the technological changes to CD players. Before purchasing do the following:

1. Decide if you’re housing bulk information or organizing the data onto separate CD-RW disks.

2. Determine if you’re keeping a single CD-RW disk or copies in multiple locations.

3. Count the number of sites you’re sending discs to, if mailing any.

4. Consult international standards if sending information overseas as CD-RW readers differ worldwide.

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

Backup your hard drive with a blank CD-RW

Information on your hard drive changes with each use of the computer, making the rewritability feature handy in keeping backups up-to-date.

I recommend: Surf by Office Max if you own or run a small business and need only a few, but if you require a greater number of CDs look at Blank CD media.com. Click on the “CDRW Media” button to check out their savings on large orders.

Use CD-RW discs as test discs

Create a temporary short-term backup to verify the data is kept the way you wish. This is ideal when employing a CDRW disk as an intermediary between online and offline storage.

I recommend: To inspect pictorial media, use CD-RW discs from HP (Hewlett-Packard) as they capture images better than the average brand. If you desire to explore a large variety of choices before choosing test discs, look to PC Nation.

Send information with CDRW discs

Besides being cheap to generate, they are inexpensive to ship due to being lightweight, slim and small. The United States Post Office has media rates to cut costs even more.

I recommend: Graphics and photographs appear crystal clear on Kodak CD-RWs. For other CD-RWs & accessories check out Shop 4 Tech.

Duplicate media on a CDRW

CD replication is affordable from the individual level, created upon a desk top, to mass audio or software CD-RW discs.

I recommend: On the small-scale level check out Office Depot for your CD-RW discs. For bulk amounts with great prices, however, go to CDR Rack or ZipZoomfly.com.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Blank, or completely erase, your CD-RW discs before reusing.
• •  CD-RW discs have compatibility issues with some CD readers because they need a more sensitive laser optic to run them.