Optical Storage Accessories
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Buying accessories for your optical discs isn't all about picking out unnecessary trinkets that make your CDs look "good." They help keep discs neat, organized, and long-lasting.
Organization
Labels, Markers, Printers
Optical discs don't usually have means of identifying themselves from the outside, since their primary purpose is to provide and store information internally. However, since we can’t always pop them in to find out which disc contains what, it is also a good idea to label or mark them outside.
Disc-friendly markers (no markers, crayons, pens, or pencils here!) are your easiest option. If you’re opting for a neater, more professional look, CD stickers and labels that can even be printed or written on are also available.
If you're willing to shell out a lot more bucks than the average user, CD-stampers, or manual devices that stamp on the circular stickers onto your discs, make your personalizing and professionalizing affairs neat and quick (those circular-shaped stickers are often difficult to press onto a disc without making mistakes). Thermal and silkscreen devices are even more expensive since they were made to print the custom designs on the discs themselves. Hybrids do both: they print on the stickers and stamp them on. If you want your money's worth, several photo printers out there can also print on discs!
An important note on using labels and other marking devices: you may run the risk of damaging the data contained in the discs. Chemicals of the pens you use, for example, can seep through from the label side to the data side. For more information, read our article on the lifespan of optical media.
Storage
Cases are the fundamental storage containers of optical discs, typically holding one to two discs at a time. The most common form is the jewel case, usually found among audio CDs and now CD-ROMs and VCDs. The transparent plastic makes them suitable for storing covers, jackets, and brochures containing information on the data stored within these discs. Some cases can also contain more than two discs, especially applicable for applications, games, or movies that take up lots of space.
Since optical discs are very thin, storing them in paper or plastic jackets is also an option when you’re really saving space. Some of these even have punched holes at the sides so you can put them in your binders so they won’t get lost that easily.
CD/DVD shelves are a popular option for storing discs with their own cases. They usually have custom slots where jewel cases can slide right in (or out) for easy access. Multidisc cases, however, do not fit as easily in the slots of the these shelves and may therefore fall off quickly.
Another way to store discs is to stack them on top of each other bare—yes, without any protective covering wrapping around any of them. This stack can then be slotted through the spindle of disc "cakes," a cheaper alternative to disc racks and shelves.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Your optical discs get dusty, too, you know. And while you think those particles are easily cleaned with run-of-the-mill cleaning products, special care must be given to the CDs, DVDs, or other discs you have for them not to get scratched. After all, they hold lots of value to you—especially the ones you’ve burned as backups of your documents and memories. One careless swipe might mean an unreadable disc, erased memories, and wasted time & money.
Special cleaning fluid can be bought from computer and office stores for your discs. It's pretty similar to the chemicals they’ve been selling for floppy discs and even tapes (VHS, Betamax), but check first if they’re the real thing. If you can’t buy, try concocting your own: [link]
When applying the fluid to the disc, choose lint-free, anti-static cloth when applying the substance. Ones that indicate they are for disc-cleaning are best. Work your way from the inner part of the disc to the outside in straight lines (not circles).
How about discs that clean your disc drives or disc players? Sometimes the laser that reads your discs (see article on CD and CD-ROM) also get dirty. Disc cleaners, typically with a small brush on the underside, usually get the job done. If not, try other options such as a lens cleaner disc or anti-static cloths. If you plan to use fluids or chemicals on the hardware or electronic device itself, be sure you have checked the manual beforehand for any special instructions regarding maintenance. If you are not completely sure how to go about it, seek professional help from your friendly electronics or computer shop personnel.
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