CD’s & DVD’s How Long Do They Last?
CD’s & DVD
When you burn music
It’s impossible to give exact numbers for CD Media Longevity or DVD Media Longevity. However, accelerated aging tests have shown that high quality discs could retain their data for up to 200 years. I’ve had experiences where discs that are just a few years old are unreadable. Keep in mind that rewritable discs, such as CD-RWs and DVD-RWs, typically last for a far shorter period of time.
Does Quality Make a Difference?
The quality of CDs and DVDs varies greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer. Higher quality discs, if treated with care, last longer than those of a lower quality. As previously stated, low priced discs usually equal low quality so, if longevity is a concern, don’t be cheap. Also, discs manufactured in Japan are generally considered to be of a higher quality than most of the ones manufactured elsewhere in the world.
Other factors in a disc’s quality, aside from the manufacturing process, are the type of dye and reflective layer used to make the disc. Once again, CDs and DVDs haven’t been around long enough to give a definitive answer about which combination produces the highest longevity. There has, however, been much debate on this topic. The general consensus is that a gold reflective layer is longer lasting than a silver reflective layer (to tell the difference you’ll need to look at the bottom of the disc, which is the side that does not have the disc label printed on it) although gold discs are typically more expensive.
For CDs, all current dyes seem to provide about the same lifespan, although Phthalocyanine is often said to be the best. Telling which dye is used on a CD can be difficult, but discs using Phthalocyanine have a green or yellow tinge on the bottom. Unfortunately, though DVDs use similar dyes, manufacturers have intentionally kept the bottom of all their DVDs the same color, preventing consumers from discovering which dye was used.
Do Brands Make a Difference?
All brands of CDs and DVDs are not created equal. Cheaper brands are usually of a lower quality than the more expensive ones. Although most brand recommendations should be taken with a grain of salt, some common high quality favorites include:
Kodak
Taiyo Yuden
Mitsui
Verbatim
What Can You Do to Make DVDs and CDs Last?Below is a list of some of the most important Dos and Don’ts when taking care of CDs and DVD’s.
DO:
Avoid scratching discs.
Keep discs away from dirt and dust.
Only touch the outer rim and/or central hole on discs.
Leave discs in their cases when not in use.
Use only non-solvent based permanent makers to write on the label side of the disc.
Store discs vertically.
Store discs in a dry, cool, and dark environment.
Only clean your discs with deionizer or distilled water and/or rubbing alcohol.
Only wipe your discs with lint free cloths or photo lens tissues.
Only wipe your discs going from the center out.
DON’T:
Scratch discs.
Let dirt or dust accumulate on discs.
Get fingerprints on the surface of discs.
Leave discs lying outside their cases.
Write on or otherwise mark the bottom of discs.
Store discs horizontally for a long period of time.
Expose discs to direct sunlight.
Expose discs to extreme temperature or humidity.
Expose discs to rapid changes in temperature or humidity.
Wipe discs in a circular motion.
CD Backup DVD Backup
BACK UP TO CD/DVD
I probably don’t need to tell you that you can be in for big trouble if you don’t back up your most important files. If you are a small-time, private computer user, you need only to back up the files or folders you have modified yourself.
For years, I’ve been copying files to CD’s and DVD’s to archive them and to send them to others. Unfortunately, I’ve discovered that information I’ve copied to CD’s and DVD is sometimes no longer readable several years later. While backing up to CD’s and DVD’s is a good short term solution, you may want to consider backing up to hard drives or backing up to an online service if you want your backups to last more than several years.
CDs and DVDs are also relatively compact and can be stored easily.
What equipment it is needed?
To back up your files and folders to CD-R, CD-RW, you will need to have a DVD or CD drive. These drives now come standard in most late model computers, so this shouldn’t be a problem for many users. If you wish to burn to a DVD, which has a greater recording capacity than a DVD, your CD-ROM drive will need to have DVD writing capacity. Depending on how you wish to undertake the backup, you may also need a CD mastering program, such as Nero. Again, if you have a late model computer, you will probably also have a CD mastering program. If you do not, there are many freeware programs that you can download and install.
.
With this basic equipment accounted for, there are several choices for how you can make a backup to CD or DVD. You have the choice of manually undertaking the backup, or using a third party program to copy your files.
There are a couple of options for undertaking manual backup to CD or DVD. First, you can simply drag the folder you wish to copy and drop it into the CD drive. This can get a bit messy if the files you wish to copy are littered throughout your hard drive. For your own sanity, when you are using this backup method, it is much simpler if all the information that you wish to backup is stored in a single folder, such as the “My Documents” folder included in Windows 98, or the “Documents and Settings” folder in Windows XP or 2000. Windows XP has a backup utility, which you may need to specifically install if you are running Windows XP Home Edition, but which should be automatically installed if you run XP Professional. You can start the Backup Wizard by clicking from the Start Menu, through to Accessories, then System Tools. The Backup Wizard prompts you to select the files and folders you wish to backup, although it doesn’t offer you the option to save directly to a CD drive. You will need to store your backup files on your computer, and then burn these to CD or DVD using a CD mastering program.
What software is needed?
If manually backing up your data seems too onerous, you should consider using a third party program to copy your files. There are a number of freeware and proprietary software products available. These programs allow you to simply insert your chosen media into your CD-ROM drive, select the compression level at which you wish to burn your backup data, specify an encryption level and to define a schedule of backups. A further advantage of these programs is that they do not simply make a copy of your data, they make specially structured backups in their own proprietary format, which means that you can usefully restore your data (using the software program) after a system crash. The downside is that you’ll need to have their proprietary program handy when it’s time to restore the files.
Is it difficult or easy?
Backing up to CD or DVD is relatively easy, once you have worked out a backup schedule. You can use your Windows Backup Wizard to automatically create a backup at regular intervals. You can then burn these backup files to CD. Software programs can also take the difficulty out of creating backups – they run in the background and are automated, and they also assist in creating backup files which, using the software program, can help you restore the backups.
How reliable are the backups?
CD and DVD data is not likely to be corrupted after it’s “burned” to the disc. However, parts or all of the disc can become unreadable if the disc becomes badly scratched or if the disc is otherwise damaged. Keep in mind that the media of the disc can break down making the CD or DVD unreadable after several years of storage.
What if I don’t Back Up My Computer?
Since I’ve been working with computers since the early eighties, I’ve backed up to tapes, discs, flash drives, hard drives, network drives and online backup services. I’ve had to restore from all of types of backups at one time or another. I’ve had to rely on my backups often enough that I’ve become more serious about backups than ever before.
Some backup methods are easier than others and some are more reliable than others. In the next few articles, I’ll share my experiences and help you decide which type of backup is best for you.
I am a business owner. What can happen if I don’t backup my data?
Quite simply – it would be a disaster for you if you lost your computer records through whatever means. If you lost these records, it would be impossible to get that information back. Just think of some of the scenarios
Fire
A fire might destroy your computers and any method you have of storing data on your company’s premises – with more computers inevitably comes a higher risk of electrical fires. Using an online backup company would mean that you could be back up and running very quickly from an alternative location.
Flood
There have been numerous high-profile floods recently – imagine the devastation they cause and how much of your business’s records would be destroyed. Online file storage is the ideal solution to limiting the amount of data that is lost.
Theft
Computers, especially laptops are prime targets for thieves these days. Even if you get the equipment back, it is highly likely that all your information would have been erased because most thieves want to sell the systems and are not interested in your information. If you used an online storage company you could retrieve all of your data, up until the point that you last performed an online backup.
Loss
It isn’t just theft that causes you to lose computer equipment. If you have employees with laptops, sales people for example, it can be simply their carelessness that means your information has been lost. Online file storage and online backup systems incorporate their own security devices to prevent theft.
The fact is that every day businesses, like yours, are losing their computerized records through various disasters, including a ‘simple’ hard drive crash! Most of the information is irreplaceable and yours is no exception. It is more likely to happen at critical times too, like the day before you file your tax return, according to Murphy’s Law! Having an online storage solution is one method of reducing the impact this may have.
There are a number of legislations that apply to the keeping of computerized records. Your firm could be taken to court on a number of issues if your backups were not maintained correctly. You could retain these using an online storage company for as long as you want.
Home Value
| Summary: Determining the worth of your home without the help of a local real estate agent was a near impossibility, until Zillow. So how does it work? |
I’m fascinated by Zillow. When I found out about the Zillow website in 2006, I began using it to check out the value of our home, our neighbor’s homes, my relatives homes, and homes where I might want to live someday. Zillow.com, is a website designed to determine the market worth of nearly any home in the country, whether it’s on the market or not. Zillow was created by two former Microsoft employees, who also happen to be the founders of the popular travel website Expedia. Zillow has rapidly become one of the Internet’s most visited real estate sites.
.
What is My Home Worth?
Finding the buying or selling price of a home can involve a considerable amount of time and effort. For the most accurate home price estimates, you should always consider using a real estate professional who is familiar with the area in which you’re buying or selling. Determining the worth of your home without the help of a local real estate agent was a near impossibility, until Zillow. So how does it work?
So how does it work? Using Zillow is surprisingly simple, just type in an address and then look at the estimate, which Zillow calls Zestimates. Zillow doesn’t attempt to cut realtors entirely out of the picture, though. It does estimate home values but it doesn’t actually sell anything. If you want to buy or sell a house you looked up on Zillow, you and most likely your real estate agent, will still have a lot of work left to do.
But are Zillow’s Zestimates accurate? You might hate to hear this but sometimes they are and sometimes they aren’t. Although Zillow does allow users to modify a home’s information (mentioning a newly installed deck or modified kitchen, for example), thereby changing the Zestimate. There are still many potentially important factors such as the school zone, noisy neighbors, and how well the house has been cared for, that aren’t taken into account when creating a Zestimate. Because of this, the values of homes in Zillow can be overestimated or underestimated, sometimes by a significant amount.
When all is said and done, Zillow claims that, of all the homes whose values they’ve estimated (somewhere around 57% of all the homes in the US), 65% of those Zestimates can be considered accurate (with the definition of accurate being ‘within 10% of the actual selling price’). While those numbers aren’t that bad, there is certainly much room for improvement. Another thing to keep in mind is that the amount of houses listed and the accuracy of the Zestimates for those houses can vary considerably by location. Although Zillow is constantly working to improve its accuracy, it’s hard to say how much it will improve or how long those improvements will take.
While many people love Zillow, accurate or not, it’s not without its share of detractors. Neighborhood associations have sometimes taken issue with Zillow’s Zestimates for the homes in their neighborhood and there have also been accusations that Zestimates in minority neighborhoods are skewed due to discrimination. Real estate agencies have also voiced complaints about Zillow, claiming that there are too many factors not taken into account by its estimates. In addition, they say that it can give some homeowners unrealistic selling price expectations, making those homes difficult, if not impossible, to sell if the owner remains adamant about the incorrect price.
So what should you do if you want to know how much your home is worth? The answer is actually quite simple, go to multiple sources. Zillow, while it can be useful, is just a tool and it’s not always correct, or in some cases, even close. Don’t ignore Zillow, it’s still a quick and easy way to get an idea of your home’s worth, just don’t take its Zestimate to be the definitive value. Instead, do a bit more research first. Take a look at the market and be realistic about prices. Talk to neighbors about prices and take into consideration any potential perks or problems in the neighborhood itself that could raise or lower the value of your home. Finally, talk to a real estate agent about prices. It’s their job to know the market, the locations, and how everything fits together. This knowledge could quite possibly allow them to see some important factors that you do not.
In the end, the process of selling your home really hasn’t changed all that much. Zillow may have made things a little easier but remember that when determining a selling price for your home, as with many other important decisions, it’s always good to get multiple opinions from qualified professionals.
Solving Problems While you Sleep
| Summary: Your mind may be engaged in solving a complex problem that has you flummoxed during the day. Your dreams could give you the answers to problems, answers that have eluded you during the day. |
I’ve been solving problems while I sleep for as long as I can remember. I didn’t realize until recently that others can be taught how to solve problems while sleeping, and I’ll explain how you can try it to see if it will work for you, too.
Most recently, I spent a day unable to solve a complex programming problem. I gave the problem some thought for about 20 minutes before I went to sleep, and the moment I awoke the next day, the correct answer was clearly the first thought in my mind. I don’t do this every night, but I do rely on this trick a dozen or so times each month.
Your problem may involve relationships, or it may be about that complicated work project. On the other hand, it might be about looking for something that you are unable to find. You might be surprised to know, however, that in those peaceful, restful hours of sleep, dozing is not all you do. Your mind may be engaged in solving a complex problem that has you flummoxed during the day. Your dreams could give you the answers to problems, answers that have eluded you during the day.
Some Famous Examples of Dream Solutions
Dreams have often provided the missing link that solved critical problems. Elias Howe was working on creating an automatic sewing machine and he was stumped by the design of the needles. Needles used for hand sewing have a hole at the bottom of the needle, but this method wouldn’t work in his sewing machine. One night Elias Howe had a dream that he was surrounded by people with spears. Oddly enough, the spears had a hole at the top, instead of the bottom. This was Howe’s solution for his sewing machine. He created a sewing machine with a needle that had a hole at its tip and the rest is history.
When Carlos Santana was making his musical comeback in the late 1990′s he received instructions through his dreams and meditation about the need to work creatively with others. As a result on his CD ‘Supernatural’, more than half the productions were collaborations. His CD was a big hit. Rumor has it that Russian Scientist Dmitri Mendeyelev dreamed of the table that was to later become the periodic table of elements.
Using Dreams to Solve Problems
The power of dreams is for everyone. Everybody can use dreams to solve everyday problems. The important thing to remember is to fix the problem in your mind at the time of going off to sleep. Keep the intent to solve the problem in your mind. One way is to follow these steps.
Get comfortable before bedtime. Think about the problem at hand, the one you must solve. Turn the problem into a specific question such as “where is my engagement ring”
After writing the question down slip the question into your pillow case. Another way can be to write the question in a special dream diary.
Before dozing off, repeat the question in your mind several times. After waking up make a note of any dreams you may have had. It does not matter that they do not make much sense. Examine the dreams for any answers to questions you have put forth. Often the answers are hidden in clues in your dream. For example if your question was “where is my engagement ring” and you dream about standing on a carton and looking for something, perhaps you should look for the ring in an elevated place.
Another trick for using dreams to solve problems is the glass of water trick. For this all you need is a pen, paper and a glass of water. Here is how it works. Before going to sleep state your problem and then drink half a glass of water. Go off to sleep. Then, just after you wake up drink the other half. Stay in bed and wait for any dream snippets, inner voices or plain gut feel. If you do not get any, do not be disheartened. Go about your day. The solution to your problem could hit you at any time. If this does not work the first day, try it again. It is possible that the dream solution hits you on the second or third day.
The Power of Dreams is For Everyone
At the University of Maryland, dreams are seen as a key therapeutic tool. In one experiment, 60 people were recruited to study the therapeutic effect of dreams. Subjects were divided into three groups. One group analyzed their own dreams. The second group analyzed a troubling event in their lives. A third group analyzed someone else’s dream as if it were theirs. Those who examined their lives through the prism of their dreams were significantly more satisfied than other groups. Dreams could unlock the answers to personal issues.Waking up with an alarm is not a good way to remember dreams. Waking up naturally from REM sleep however is a good way. Before you go off to sleep give yourself an auto-suggestion. Tell yourself that you want to remember your dreams. Prime yourself in this manner. Keep a paper and a pen next to your bed. That way you can easily write the dreams while they are still fresh on your mind when you awake.
Start with an easy one – like how to fit your sofa in an overstuffed room. Work your way up to complex problems like childhood issues with your parents. Frame your problem in the form of a question. The last thing you do before nodding off should be to ask yourself this question. At the time of dozing off you are in a very powerful moment almost like in a hypnotic trance. A question that goes into your mind at this time often elicits answers. If possible keep an object representing the query in your mind on a bedside table. Another way is to visualize the question graphically. Upon waking up, lie in bed for a while. Wait to see if a dream is lurking in your outer mind. If it is, follow it backwards as we generally remember our dreams in reverse.
Problem solving in dreams does not happen overnight. It takes time and effort to master the art of solving dreams. However, as you get better at it, you will find it is an enjoyable way to solve problems.
Tomorrow will be here before you know it. Another day, another chance to solve problems.
Subscribe – FREE!
