[ARRL-OK] FW: CD's are NOT forever--FYI

[D C Macdonald]

I received the following on another list to which I belong.
I believe it contains some very good advice.

73   ---   Mac, K2GKK/5


----Original Message Follows----

I subscribe to "Ask Mr. Modem's weekly newsletter" ($4.95
per month with questions answered by email usually within
24 hours).  Below is just another one of his "jewels".

Gene Duley; Redondo Beach, CA

///////////////////////////////

Extending the Life of Data on CDs

   When they first made their debut, data was thought to be safe
   on CDs for at least 10 years, and with some premium rewriteable
   CDs possibly for as long as a century. Such optimism was not
   justified, however, and it has been reported by Consumer Reports
   that some cheapie CDs may fail in as little as two years. Eek!

   Many CD failures have been traced to the use of glue-on paper
   labels from print-it-yourself CD label-maker kits. It's believed
   that the glue on the labels interacts with the foil or the dye upon
   which the data resides, rendering the CDs useless. Better than
   stick-on labels, use a felt-tip marker. No data loss has been
   reported with CDs labeled with felt-tip pens.

   Additional Suggestions

   1. Make at least two copies of CDs that contain VID (very
   important data).

   2. Keep CDs clean and stored in a jewel case. Don't stack CDs
   not in cases. The recording surface is durable, but it can be
   scratched and damaged.

   3. Store CDs in a relatively cool, dark, dry location. Heat, light,
   and humidity increase oxidation and can shorten the life of a CD
   by years.

   4. For additional tips and current thinking about CDs and DVDs,
   visit the Optical Storage Technology Association Web site.

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