Technology /

For proper CD/DVD storage

CDs and DVDs have become part of our lives and have changed the way we enjoy our leisure time. These devices provide an almost unlimited selection of enriching and entertaining pursuits.

Last updated: February 25, 2005 | 00:00

Compiled by Qadijah S. Irshad

2 MIN READ

CDs and DVDs have become part of our lives and have changed the way we enjoy our leisure time. These devices provide an almost unlimited selection of enriching and entertaining pursuits. Unfortunately the more we use them the more we have to be careful. A scratch or a bit of carelessness can cause irreparable damage. Vijay Menon, team leader at Plug Ins, Dubai City Centre, gives a few tips on handling CDs the right way.

Do's

Handle discs by the outer edge or the centre hole.
Use a non-solvent-based felt-tip permanent marker to mark the label side of the disc.
Keep dirt or other foreign matter away from the disc.
Store discs upright (book style) in plastic cases specified for CDs and DVDs.
Return discs to storage cases immediately after use or store them in a CD magazine.
Leave discs in their packaging (or cases) to minimise the effects of environmental changes.
Store discs in a cool, dry, dark location. A closet or cabin in an air-conditioned space is probably close to ideal.
Remove dirt, foreign material, fingerprints, smudges and liquids by wiping with a clean cotton cloth in a straight line from the center of the disc toward the outer edge.
Use CD/DVD-cleaning detergent, isopropyl alcohol, or methanol to remove stubborn stains.

Don'ts

Touch the top side of the disc where the data is stored.
Bend the disc.
Use adhesive labels.
Store discs horizontally for a long time.
Expose discs to extreme heat or high humidity.
Expose discs to rapid temperature or humidity changes.
Expose recordable discs to prolonged sunlight or other sources of ultraviolet light.
Write or mark in the data area of the disc (the area the laser "reads").
Scratch the label side of the disc.
Use a pen, pencil, or magic marker to write on the disc.
Write on the disc with markers that contain solvents.
Try to peel off or reposition a label.

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