Number 221 - October 2001

Maximize Your CD Recording Success Rate
by Lynn Kauer, Blue Chip News, Saginaw Valley Computer Assn
Most people don't know that by following a few simple suggestions, they can reduce their "Coaster Rate" to a minimum. Here are some of those suggestions:     1. Keep your recording environment as clean as possible. Don't smoke in the same room as your recorder, keep dust to a minimum and consider using a HEPA air cleaner.     2. Always make sure that you are running the latest firmware for your recorder--check your drive manufacturer's website.     3. Avoid "Freeware" or "Shareware- recording software (you will often get what you pay for.)     4. Always try to record from a "Disc Image File." Do not record direct from CD-to-CD if you can help it.     5. Keep your hard drive defragmented.     6. Do not run other programs, screensavers, or TSR's when you are recording. Also, don't use old 386 or 486 computers for recording	7. Store your blank media in a way that keeps it clean and scratch free.     8. Always (carefully) clean your media with some compressed air just before inserting it into your recorder (to make sure it's dust free).     9. If you are using an external recorder, place it on a layer of foam rubber to isolate it from vibration and shocks.     10. If you have a choice, select a SCSI recorder over an IDE (you'll get faster and cleaner data transfer. There's a reason professionals use SCSI.)     11. Keep your recorder's laser clean. Also, give the poor recorder a rest periodically if you're making lots of recordings. Unless you're using a commercial grade recorder--like Plextor--most consumer recorders start to act up when they get overused or too warm.     Recently I ordered soft "soft sided" thin CD jewel boxes from CD-Recordables.com. The above list was in the package when it arrived. I felt it was worthwhile to pass along and it is reproduced with permission.
Number 221 - October 2001