dvd+ (plus) vs dvd- (minus)

17 years ago

1. What is the difference between DVD+ vs DVD-?

2. I bought DVD- (minus) because girl @ Staples said it was faster.

Now changing topics:

I want to backup my files and my new computer suggests it should be done regularly. They say the easiest way is to have it done automatically using the "backup wizard". I've chosen monthly to start (I don't create many files) and have just completed the first backup. It filled one DVD-RW (rewriteable) 4.7GB with no room to spare. As I understand it the next time a backup is performed it does not re-copy everything but only the changes that occurred since the previous backup.

3. My question is: Since the next and future backups take up only a little disc (DVD) space do I have to use a new DVD each time? I believe they are saying I can re-insert the same DVD each time another backup is scheduled and continue doing so until that DVD becomes full. Is that right?

4. If that is right can I use a DVD-R or must I use a DVD-RW? The girl in Staples thought I would have to use a rewriteable DVD. She thought if I tried using a DVD-R multiple times (without "closing" it like a CD) sometimes the DVD would not finish copying correctly causing problems. Is this right?

I hope this is not a common thread although I thought it would be. I've been searching and looking at previous posts for some time now with no luck.

Thanks for you help.

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Comments (6)

DA_Mccoy
17 years ago
The +/- formats are competition generated like the recent DVD contest which BlueRay won, or even farther back the beta vs VHS conflict. Today most DVD units read and/or write both formats. My most recent reading reported minus was the more prevalent of the two.

Personally I do not like any RW to use for permanent storage. I have to at times use copied video, audio and text at work. Several times a year RWs which have been rewritten on several times fail; CD and DVD. Not too often, but they do fail.

Without knowing what brand and model of DVD burner along with the software you intend to use, my initial position is as long as the disk is amendable you should be able to continue using it for additional storage.

DA
susieq07
17 years ago
When I got my PC new it had me burn 5/6 CD's of entire system as recover disc's, if I back up files they back-up right on my har ddrive. And DVD-R which are not rewritable, play back on more DVD players even older ones, the + play back on newer players, But even the RW re-writable, you can not add to, that I know of? if I try it always tells me it has data on and needs to be erased, or to put an empty disc in.
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DA_Mccoy
17 years ago
I was thinking about this so I pulled out a DVD I have with pictures on it and went through the motions of adding data to it. It was created with Roxio v9 and I used the same application to imitate the adding. It wouldn't allow it.

I went into Tools>Options on the Toolbar and located two options that I did not get involved with when I originally created the DVD. It is called Write-Once DVD Capability. One is for single use and you cannot add data, the other allows you to add data in the future with a disclaimer that fewer drives will be able to read the disk. Apparently it goes to "cannot add" by default.

Interesting.

DA
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
17 years ago
a better option than using the dvd's is to get a flash thumb drive, I buy 4 GB ones at Big lots for $10 and keep plenty handy, a flash drive can be written over easily, come in various sizes, you can use them to back up your data and they are very easy to transport and swap between computers. You could also use a memory card same way. Or if you want to really get serious just get a stand alone usb hard drive to back up to, I have a 500 GB seagate, makes it very easy.
DA_Mccoy
17 years ago
Never personally happened to me, but I have heard and read complaints of thumb drives failing. That is why I recommend to users tht if the data is critical to them personally that they backup on multiple media.

DA
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
17 years ago
I agree 100% DA, I have definitely seen some dvd and cd coasters too that people thought were good so no one thing is perfect, I personally have an online storage locker, use my flash drives and have the usb seagate hard drive too.
as Justin Wilson used to say I am a suspenders and belt kinda person!

dvd+ (plus) vs dvd- (minus)

Comments (6)

DA_Mccoy

susieq07

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