dvd+ (plus) vs dvd- (minus)

15 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.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

DA_Mccoy
15 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
15 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.
Related Discussions
Kindle vs any other computer?
Q
Comments (1)
Amazon already has a kindle that can surf the net the fire. I am posting from it now. The newer one today is just a newer model that can do more is all plus you can now pay for an Internet plan on one of the newer ones so its not just wifi only like the fire. I use this more than my laptop now and don't even take the laptop when traveling any more. I just love this little device and watch netflix on it every night in bed. I play games on it and read books on it. Can check out books on it from my local library, love that feature. I have also gotten a lot of free books from amazon. Mary
...See More
cartridge vs laser?
Q
Comments (13)
I have the same model Brother laser that asolo has and love it. A toner cartridge for it costs about half the cost of an hp black ink cartridge at Amazon.com and lasts a LOT longer. Mikie reminds me that I paid $79 for my wife's Canon inkjet and a full set of replacement ink cartridges costs $81. I use her printer for photos and mine is wireless so she can print on it from her computer if she has a lot of black and white printing to do.
...See More
pull-down vs. pull-out faucet
Q
Comments (46)
Do you have a friend who has a pull-down that you might be able to try? Will that sprayer stay on spray or do you have to keep the handle pressed down? I always had a side spray before but now that I have a pull-down I don't ever want to be without one! I defrosted some shrimp tonight and it was so nice to be able to pull the faucet head down close to my colander, set it to spray and walk away for a few minutes. The pull-down is nicely balanced so that it stays at whatever height I put it. It's so much more convenient to quickly pull it down and be able to reach every corner of my sink when I wash it. Mine goes back up into place very easily and securely, no twisting or fiddling with it required.
...See More
Homeschool vs Family Room vs Office Desks
Q
Comments (12)
I am an adult who was homeschooled almost fifty (egad!) years ago and I think that it would be best to have a separated area for the home school activities. I like the idea of French doors (maybe even Dutch style French doors - does that make them Flemish doors?? - so they could contain the dogs on the lower part but still be opened on top) to set the space apart visually and functionally, even if you leave them open a lot of the time. Although you presently use the room for FR-type activities you may find your kids take a more workman-like approach if the room function is dedicated more to schooling. I think I see a VCR/cable box so I was wondering if you also use the space for after-hours TV viewing. That would be a huge temptation, I think. One of the things that is important for homeschooling is to have some demarcation between your time spent supervising home school and your time spent strictly as a parent. Otherwise it can get very intense. So using spatial cues to reinforce the distinction may help. I know when we had a separate school room for home school it was better and when we homeschooled in the sitting room and dining room it was hard to not have one activity spill into the other. It was much better to have a designated school room where we settled down to work and could also leave things set up on desks and tables for the next session. I'd also vote for putting your desk in there, no matter how functional it looks. That will give you something to do when you kids are working and at the same time they can watch and model your approach to paperwork. Your kids' artwork and maps and posters and natural history specimens will make handsome and stimulating wall decorations. Plus, I'd add a big white board so you could use that space collaboratively to work on problems. Molly
...See More
DA_Mccoy
15 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
15 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
15 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
15 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

Related Discussions

DA_Mccoy

ravencajun Zone 8b TX

DA_Mccoy

ravencajun Zone 8b TX

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US