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What are they?
For years, computer systems have come standard with at least one CD-ROM drive. However, technological advances offer other, more versatile CD options to consumers than the traditional read-only CD-ROM drive. Advanced options include CD-Rewriter drives that can write, erase, and re-write data to a CD, or faster, and more flexible CD-ROM drives that also can read media produced in a CD-R or CD-RW drive. Once you upgrade to the world of the latest and greatest CD technology you will wonder how you ever got by without it.
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Why would I want one?
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 20-speed (20x) 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. This is a great opportunity to consider upgrading to a complete mass storage solution with a CD-Rewriter. They read regular CD-ROMs as well as create virtually lifelong records of data on discs that can store up to 700MB of data or 80 minutes of music. That amount of data storage is beneficial to businesses small and large, graphics professionals, computer enthusiasts, and novices.
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What a new CD-ROM or CD-Rewriter drive can do for you:
Features:
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CD-ROM
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CD-RW
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Read CD, CD-R, & CD-RW media¹
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| Increase software performance |
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| Play music CDs |
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| Use learning tools |
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X |
| Play games |
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| Create music & data CDs |
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| Economical data storage solution |
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| Store up to 700MB of data |
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| Share data with friends/family/colleagues |
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| Distribute & update works-in-progress |
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X |
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How do I install and use it?
Before installing or attaching any component to your computer, read and follow the manufacturer's installation instructions carefully.
Installing a CD 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 so you 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?
Whether you're shopping for a CD-ROM 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. 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 an SCSI or an EIDE interface:
SCSI (Small Computer System Interface, pronounced scuzzy):
SCSI interfaces are faster than EIDE, but are also more expensive and more complicated to install. 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 higher 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 (PC Card), USB, and FireWire interfaces:
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.
USB (Universal Serial Bus):
USB interfaces 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 (with Windows 98 and above) and up to 127 devices can be added to one USB port.
FireWire:
FireWire, or IEEE1394, is a fast connector that can transfer data at up to 400Mbps. A single FireWire port can connect up to 63 external devices.
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.
Speed: Faster is Better
Speed is the easiest way to determine the performance of a CD drive and faster is better. It is measured by a drive rating which is the number before the letter "X". For example, 24X is a 24-speed drive. All of our CD-RW speeds are listed in the following order: write, re-write, read.
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1 - Some older CD-ROM drives cannot read CD-R and CD-RW discs |
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