DVD & CD Drives

One danger in modern electronics is a hard drive crash. When that happens, you can lose all of the data on your computers. Fortunately, there is an easy fix that's as easy as finding a great price at Overstock.com! CD/DVD drives allow you to copy all of your data, such as text, photos and MP3s, to create an archive. Like insurance, CD/DVD drives will protect you and you'll be glad you have them. You have plenty of protection choices in storage and blank media.

Blank CDs record about 750MB each. Some CD drives (or CD burners) create CD-Rs (CD-recorded discs) and others make CD-RWs (CD-Rewritable discs). CD-R drives write once, creating CD-ROMs (read only memory). CD-RW drives are like your internal hard drive; they can be written and rewritten many times. Just remember, a blank CD-R and a blank CD-RW are different, so don't try to rewrite a CD-R, it won't work.

Blank DVDs hold 4.7GB (4,700MB). You can choose a blank DVD-R, blank DVD+R, blank DVD-RW or blank DVD+RW as well as DVD-RAM. The + or - designates two different recording technologies. They are not compatible, although many DVD burners can read or record both types. Like blank CDs, you can create DVD-ROMs as well as rewritable DVDs. DVD-RAM is a little rare among computer users; mostly, these are purchased for camcorder use.

In addition to choosing which technology to use, you can also choose internal or external CD burners or internal or external DVD drives. Internal drives tend to be less expensive, but you'll have to open your computer case and install them. External drives are often plug-n-play; hook them up and go. If you don't want to mess with recording at all, you can opt for a CD or DVD-ROM drive--they read, but don't write. These are great for gamers, audio CDs or movie DVDs you want to play through your computer. Whichever you choose, choose Overstock.com where your good sense will be rewarded by discount computers and computer supplies at up to 70 percent off retail.