CD-ROM

"Read Only Memory" discs are, generally, discs you get from other people. You, the user, cannot access the software code, so you can't change it (hence "read-only"). Before the birth of rewritable discs, all discs were CD-ROMs and needed CD-DVD drives to read them. Today, CD burners (computer components that record as well as read discs) are more popular, but CD-ROM drives are still in use in home and business electronics, and they won't be disappearing any time soon. Just like the Overstock.com computer store is going to be around, selling you great computer equipment at up to 70 percent off retail.

Most software--children's computer games, operating systems, personal finance software, etc.--comes to you on CD-ROMs (a few of the bigger games will arrive on DVD-ROMs). If you don't have a CD burner, you need a CD drive. Some software can download directly from the web, but if there's ever a problem, how do you reload that software? Maybe the software seller will give you a free replacement, maybe not. It's always safer to have the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM and the drives. That way, if problems arise, you're stress level won't rise with it when you realize how much money you lost because your software is gone and you don't have a CD-ROM backup copy.

By the way, have you visited the Overstock.com entertainment store? You'll find CDs by the thousands--no joke, no exaggeration--thousands! Not long ago, your home or office needed a CD player to make music. Today, your desktop computer or laptop computer can be your home theater as well as home office. All you need is the computer and your favorite home entertainment titles. Oh, plus the CD-ROM drive you bought online shopping at Overstock.com's computer store, of course. It's the best of both worlds--entertainment you love at prices you can't believe.