CD writer

[FTVS]

Hi I have no idea what I am talking about so pls help. i want to buy a CD writer (burner?) to store digi pics on Cd. Any ideas as to what I should get? Does it just plug in the back of the hard drive? (pls don't laugh if that sounds really stupid) I want to write CDs and maybe even put music on them as well. any help humbly appreciated

[desertrat]

If you have a CD reader just now you could simply replace it with the new CD writer. It will use the same cables as the CD reader. Depending on the operating system you are currently using it will either detect it automatically or else you will need to install the relevent drivers supplied with the CD writer. If you have space in your computer you may be able to add the CD writer and keep the exsiting CD reader. This will make it easier if you want to copy files from one CD to another. The cable that connects the existing CD reader should have an additional connector which you can use for the new CD writer. Have a look inside your computer and you will see the relevant cables currently connected to your CD reader assuming you have one.

[LeMarchand]

You can get external CD drives, but they are more expensive and only slightly easier to fit than internal drives.

[FTVS]

Thank you very much. i will open it up tonight and have a look. I do have a cd reader - well i assume i do: there's a slot that you put a CD in and I can open what's on there!

[LeMarchand]

Just had a thought - have you got an old PC? A CD writer has been fairly standard for a few years...

[FTVS]

Funny enough LaMarch that thought also occurred to me - I really am pants at this kind ofthing. It would be so like me to already have one in there and not even know|!

[LeMarchand]

If you take a look in "My Computer", it should list your drives and if it says CD-RW Drive (normally "D"), then that's solved your problem. If you can borrow a blank CD from somewhere, you could also try sticking it in: if your drive can write, a dialogue box will normally pop up asking you if you want to burn a disc!

[dodgyshirt]

If you do need to fit a CD Writer as an extra drive do not as DESERTRAT advises fit this on the same IDE cable as the existing CD Rom as this can lead to data conflicts when copying CD`s. Instead slave the existing CD Rom to your Hard Drive on IDE 1 and the CD-RW as master on IDE 2