In this review tips for maintaining a CD-RW drive is given. Its more of technical than general, any queries can be asked in the comments section.
The tips are more of software side than the hardware.
Tweaks for your CD-Writer
• Do everything you can to reduce the computing load on your CPU while you're burning a disc. You should also disable real-time virus protection, screensavers, telephony programs and any other software running in the background that might interrupt the flow of data. Check your System Tray for icons representing your running programs. If you're on a network, log off for the duration, or at least disable File and Print Sharing under Network Properties so no one can bog down your hard drive by sharing your files while you try to burn.
• If you have a fast Writer but a slow processor and hard disk subsystem [ATA33), it is safer to burn the CD at a speed lowerthan the maximum possible.
• Use Track At Once instead of Disk At Once to burn an Audio CD. This will
make the Audio CD look more professional because a 2 second gap will be
inserted between each burned track and the CD can then be mass produced
free of errors.
• Always'finalise' a burned Audio CD to ensure that it plays on your home
music system.
« Shut down all other applications while burning CDs; do not use the computer for any other tasks while a CD is burning.
« Try to simulate a burn process if the Writer has just presented you with a
coaster. Most CD-Writing software will allow this.
• Most CD-Writer drives support direct memory access, a feature chat nearly
always improves writing performance significantly. If you use Windows 98 or Me,
you can enable or disable DMA for your drive. Select Start, Settings, Control Panel. Double-click the System icon, click the Device Manager tab, select the CD-Writer drive under CD-ROM, click Properties, click the Settings tab and check the DMA box. On some PCs, using DMA can cause problems. If you have trouble burning CDs when
DMA is enabled, try disabling it.
• Make sure your CD-ROM's cache settings are maximised. Right-click the My computer icon and select Properties. Choose File System under the Performance tab and select CD-ROM. Under Settings, slide the Supplemental cache bar all the way to the right, and then select Quad speed or higher.
• Data moves faster off a hard drive than off a CD, but only if your drive is working at top efficiency. Run Scandisk(under Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools) with the box checked to fix cross-linked files and lost clusters automatically. If you choose Thorough, you'll also scan for disk errors. Finally, run Disk Defragmenter(also under System Tools) to optimise file structure.
• Windows 98 users can increase the disk cache set aside for frequently used hard-disk data. Select Start, Settings, Control Panel. Double click the System icon, choose the Performance tab, select File System, click the Hard Disk tab, and under Typical role of this computer', change'Desktop computer' to'Network server'.
• Use a UPS(Uninterrupted Power Supply) for your computer and the Writer. This will take care of voltage fluctuations and sudden power failure. For writing a CD, an uninterrupted power supply is essential.
• Almost everything is made out of plastic, so proper handling is important. For example, to eject the tray use the button. Do not push it by hand to place the tray in position.
Health Tips
=> Dust, grime, and grease can collect on the optics of your drive and on the surface of CDs, hindering the recording process. Kits with a special CD that cleans your CD drive cost less than Rs 200 and are available at most computer stores, but check with your drive manufacturer for the approved cleaning method before you use a cleaning kit.
• Never use poor quality detergents and sprays for cleaning. Clean the drives using a soft, dry fabric.
• Keep the tray clean. Use a duster for thorough cleaning. A metallic foreign
particle can be particularly destructive—if it falls inside the Writer through
the centre hole, it can cause an electric short circuit. So do not use something
like paper clips to take out the CD.
• Do not push the tray to close it; always use the eject button instead.
• Use a good quality lens cleaner to keep the lens clean, as this is one of
the most important parts of the drive.
waitin 4 ur -ve and+ve comments.
