Creating backup for the data on an electronic device like a computer or a digital camera is very important. Most electronic equipments are bound to suffer crashes, leading to the erasing of all the data within. Creating backup for the data enables not only storage but also effective retrieval of the data whenever required.
There are many backup devices, including floppy disks, hard disks, other computers on the network, compact disks, and DVDs. Each of these has its own conveniences, risks and capacities. Use of these devices depends on several factors: the amount of data to be stored, the frequency at which the data is altered, presence of other backup devices, and the kind of files that need to be stored.
CD ROMs are one kind of a removable backup device. CDs are being increasingly used for storing files as they are inexpensive, easy to store, easy to transport, and have varying storage capacities. Some CD ROMs can take as much as 700 MB of data. They are also relatively safer than floppy disks or hard disk on the system. The data stored on a CD ROM however, cannot be altered. This makes them more ideal for storing permanent data. There are also other advantages from using CD ROMs for storing backup data: they have a high shelf life, they are not affected by magnetic fields, and they can be taken through airport security without any problem. They are nevertheless fragile and require careful handling.
CD-ROM recorders or writers have now become very inexpensive. A basic model is available for a price below $1,000 while those with optical drivers are more expensive. These days, most backup software programs are compatible with CD-drives and CD-recorders. There are many kinds and brands of backup software programs available. These are compatible with basic Windows NT/2000 configurations. Prices range from $30 to $3,700 or more, depending on the options and the features available. Veritas, Symantec, Acronis, Dantz, and Stomp are some of the popular brands in CD ROM backup software.
