http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=15800263
CD-R Lifespan and degradation - a major problem. or a minor worry, the conclusions are interesting.
In short, if you want the best lifespan for your data on CD-R.
1. Use good quality media, not stored unburned for an excessive time
2. Ensure that you drive burns it well at the rated speed or somewhat lower
Test the C1 error rate if you have the means to.
3. DO NOT LABEL or WRITE ON
4. Store in cases, or on a spindle for little used CD's
Beware of plastic or plastic windowed CD-Envelopes (sleeves) - they can stick to uncoated media.
5. Store in Cool, Dry conditions, out of sunlight
The TOP Surface of the CD is the most vulnerable to physical damage, as the silvering is directly beneath - on the cheapest media, only a single layer of laquer protects the silvering. Various brands introduced additional protection under assorted names, but generic "white top" are generally a lot better than silver top if labelling is required.
For critical data, you should also have at least two copies, preferably on different media - and one way to be certain is if one is blue (Cyanine or AZO) and the other is silver (Phthalocyanine) - or if you are CERTAIN that the two brands do not actually emerge from the same factory.
CD-R Lifespan and degradation - a major problem. or a minor worry, the conclusions are interesting.
In short, if you want the best lifespan for your data on CD-R.
1. Use good quality media, not stored unburned for an excessive time
2. Ensure that you drive burns it well at the rated speed or somewhat lower
Test the C1 error rate if you have the means to.
3. DO NOT LABEL or WRITE ON
4. Store in cases, or on a spindle for little used CD's
Beware of plastic or plastic windowed CD-Envelopes (sleeves) - they can stick to uncoated media.
5. Store in Cool, Dry conditions, out of sunlight
The TOP Surface of the CD is the most vulnerable to physical damage, as the silvering is directly beneath - on the cheapest media, only a single layer of laquer protects the silvering. Various brands introduced additional protection under assorted names, but generic "white top" are generally a lot better than silver top if labelling is required.
For critical data, you should also have at least two copies, preferably on different media - and one way to be certain is if one is blue (Cyanine or AZO) and the other is silver (Phthalocyanine) - or if you are CERTAIN that the two brands do not actually emerge from the same factory.