subject: How Long Should I Expect A Compact Disk To Last? [print this page] Compact discs are frequently used for nearly any purpose today. CDs are helpful for saving unique personal memories captured in digital photos and videos, or essential private documents such as business papers and old tax returns. Many organizations use them for numerous operations and campaigns. The question most often asked is how long will a CD survive?
Contrary to public opinion, CDs aren't meant to last forever. Instead, the life of a compact disc depends upon several factors, including how information was written and the quality of the components utilized for creating the CDs.
What is a CD?
The term "CD" is an acronym for "compact disc". It was established as a backup system for moveable media like digital music, images, videos and other information. Compact disk drives succeeded floppy disk drives of computer systems. They offer the main benefit of having the capacity to store larger information than a floppy disk. It is created by a method similar to making vinyl discs, but this time with laser technology.
Factory-Pressed CDs
Industrial unit-pressed compact discs are put into use to hold music, videos or other data in large quantities. A defensive finish is then added to the CDs. This means that good handling, factory-written CDs will last longer. However, poor quality devices of some factory-pressed CD manufacturing sites frequently impacts information storage adversely.
Write/Read CDs
CDs designed to provide consumers with write/read functionality are different from common read-only CDs. The process employed to create the CD also has huge influences on its longevity and overall quality. Methods used for storing information along with information storage speed will also have substantial effects.
Using pens along with other writing tools to tag the top of CDs also affect its longevity.
Poor handling and excessive heat can also damage the storage device as well. So, how long will a CD lasts? Well, it depends upon the elements mentioned above.
