[Ham-Computers] RE: CD Packet Writing software (aka InCD/DirectCD/etc) - Was: Nero help

[Hsu, Aaron (NBC Universal)]

A word of warning about InCD and other "packet writing" software that
allows you to treat at CD or DVD Writer as a drive letter.  BTW, when I
mention "packet writing" or "direct-to-disc", they're both the same in
the context of this message. 

There are many incompatibilities between the various "flavors" of packet
writing drivers out there.  I have and will always *STRONGLY* urge users
not to install or use any version of "direct-to-disc" writing software
(aka InCD, DirectCD, etc).  Though it is convenient, the data format
used may not be readable in other systems (esp. non-Windows systems).

As an example, someone recently posted on the Advanced_CDR user's group
(formerly the Adaptec_CD-R tech forum) about having problems reading his
*LARGE* collection of CD's that were written via a direct-to-disc
method.  He purchased a new system only to find that he was unable to
retrieve any data he had backed up.  I believe he used InCD to create
the discs, but the new system had EasyCD Creator's DirectCD (or vice
versa).  Only by installing the previous version was he able to gain
access to the data.

Another problem is that many people do not "close" (or know how to
close) the CD.  Closing a packet-written CD writes and finalizes the TOC
(Table of Contents) on the CD.  Until then, a packet-written CD does not
have a TOC - the system builds a temporary TOC based on the data found
on the CD itself.

Some direct-to-disc software allow compression of the data (much like
the old "doublespace" drivers in DOS).  Unfortunately, the compression
routines are not standardized - therefore, unless you have the proper
drivers (aka (vendor specific") to read a disc written with compression,
the data will be inaccesable.

Think about it...a few years from now, when you break out those
cherished backups created with direct-to-disc drivers, will you be able
to read the disc?  If not, will you remember what program you used to
create the disc?  Will the drivers still be available to read those
discs and will they be available for the operating system you'll be
using at the time?  I would rather use a "standard" CD or DVD format and
not risk the headache.


Just my 2 cents.

73,

  - Aaron, NN6O


BTW, both Nero and EasyCD (now EasyMedia) Creator are good programs.  I
use both.  I've also used GoldenHawk and a couple other apps I no longer
remember.