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

[Dale Miller]

Well Aaron in my opinion they are good for extra drive space to store 
files, not for backups.
As such that is what I use InCD for. I agree with what you say, and I 
would never recommend using them for backups.

-- 
Cheers & 73's
Dale Miller, KC2CBD
Tennessee
Ham Operator since 1997
Member of YahooPipesmokers and ASP since February 2005

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---



Hsu Aaron NBC Universal wrote:

>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.
>
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