Compact Disks (CDs):
The following CD optical disks are available:
➡ CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory: This means that when you buy the disk, it already has the data or program stored on it. It is read only, which means it can be read but not edited, so it is normally used a medium for the distribution of software.
➡ CD-R (Compact Disk Record): This means that you can save data to your optical disk but only once; it is not possible to edit and overwrite data on the CD-R.
➡ CD-RW (Compact Disk Rewrite): This means that you can save data to your optical disk, edit and overwrite data; it performs in the same way as a floppy disk.
Digital Versatile Disks (DVDs):
The following DVD optical disks are available:
➡ DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk Read Only Memory): this means that when you buy the disk, it already has the data or program stored on it. It is read only, which means it can be read from but not edited, so it is normally used as a medium for the distribution of software or movies.
➡ DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disk Rewrite): this means that you can save data to your optical disk, edit and overwrite data; it performs in the same way as a floppy disk.