Guide to CD Drives

A CD drive reads and displays data from a CD-ROM disc. It usually consists of a recessed disc tray and a reading head, which analyzes the grooves on the disc and converts them into viewable data. It can be installed in a computer internally or externally through an SCSI or a parallel port. An internal CD drive fits in a drive bay while an external CD drive is a plug in device. 

CD-Read only memory (CD-ROM) drive

A CD-ROM drive is used for reading data stored in CDs. It cannot be used for recording data onto blank CDs.

CD-Recordable (CD-R) drive

A CD-R drive can read data on CDs and burn data on blank discs. It cannot erase or overwrite file on recorded CDs. It is used for storing files such as music, multimedia presentations, software applications, and backup for transferring to other computers. 

CD-rewritable (CD-RW) drive

A CD-RW drive can read data, record data to CD-Rs or CD-RWs, and overwrite existing data. It can modify, delete, and add data on CDR media.

Speed: Choose a multi-speed CD drive that can work at different speed rates to improve system performance when handling image files. 

Transfer rate: Choose CD drive with a high transfer rate for fast and efficient transferring of files. The transfer rate indicates how much data is read and relayed to the computer every second.    

Access time: Choose a CD drive with a shorter access time for better performance. The access time indicates how long it takes for the drive to find the target data.