Reader's Comments - Index of - Free

Choosing a Computer System for Digital Imaging
Backup and Storage
There is a plethora of storage options available, and the future will undoubtedly
bring more. Current choices include CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, and DVD-RW. ZIP
and JAZ drives, although available as of this writing, are not suitable for digital
imaging. ZIP disks are too expensive per MB, and Jazz drives never caught on in
the marketplace.
CD-R (CD Writable) media are the least expensive of your choices. One
disadvantage is you cannot change the information once you write it to a CD. That
is also an advantage, as you cannot accidentally overwrite your files. Also, if you
write multiple sessions to a CD you'll see multiple CD icons on your screen when
you pop the CD into your computer to retrieve a file. This is a minor annoyance
unless you write dozens of sessions on one CD.
CD-RW (CD Rewritable) has the advantage of allowing you to write over existing
data, much like your computer's internal hard drive. This can be a disadvantage if
you delete an important file. CD-RW blanks are currently much more expensive
than CD-R media.
DVD-R (DVD Writable) writes to DVD discs, of course. The advantage is DVDs
can store much more data than CDs. The disadvantage is that writing that data can
take a long time. This is not an issue if you use them only for backup. Start your
backup program before you go to bed and remove the media in the morning.
DVD-RAM (DVD Rewritable) is more versatile than DVD-R, but the blanks cost
more.
Also consider how you will share files with service bureaus and editors. Every and
service bureau editor has a CD drive. Not all have DVD drives. If you're working
with a service bureau it is a simple matter of asking them what media they can
accept. If you work with just a few editors you can do the same. However, if you're
sending work out to many media seeking work, CD is the safest route.
Don't buy your blank media at a discount computer store. You can never know
where the media were manufactured, and thus have no idea how the disks are long
term. Buy known brands, or go to CR Recordable.com and order online.
Scanning
Before deciding on a scanner you need to decide what you want to do with your
images. Do you want to print 8x10s from an inkjet printer? Or do you want 30x40
http://www.photo.net/photo/computers (5 of 33)7/3/2005 2:19:07 AM