DVD-RW lets you erase what you record

By BILL HUSTED

Cox News Service

January 20, 2008

Q:  I bought a DVD drive (to replace my CD drive). My question is, what is the difference between DVD-R, and DVD+R?? Also, do I need DVD-RW so the disks can be used over and over?

—  Lyn Waters

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A:  DVD-R and DVD+R can only be recorded one time. +R is a newer, more reliable technology. Both work fine. As you guessed, RW means read/write. So these are the discs you need if you want to record something, be able to erase it, and record again. They can be reused many times — the industry says 1,000, but that may be generous.

So if you want to record something and keep it, use -R or +R. Either of these has a better chance of a long life than RW. If you want to record and erase RW is the way to go.

Q:  You recently mentioned the issue of whether a desktop computer should be turned off when not in use. I have friends who leave their laptops on all the time, and I've heard that isn't good. Do you have advice on this? Also, what about powering down the UPS instead of just shutting the computer off? That way, the LAN equipment is also turned off.

—  Michael Schmidt

A:  While desktop PCs are made to stand up to 24/7 service, laptops tend to overheat when left on constantly. The innards are all jammed together — concentrating the heat — and the cooling system isn't nearly as efficient or powerful as a desktop's.

I use my UPS to keep my DSL modem and my router working — even when the power is down — so that I'd be able to go online during a power outage. (Obviously I'd use a laptop, not my desktop).

I think it might be smarter to keep your UPS powered up, then. If you want the hub, router or modem to be powered down, turn them off or pull the plugs.

Please send your questions to Bill Husted at bhusted@ajc.com. While he reads every e-mail, not all are answered. E-mails are selected for publication based on the likelihood that the answers will be of general interest.