Difference between CD-R and CD-RW

From early generations of computers, computer storage is possible with the help of punched cards, magnetic tape, disk drives, floppy disks, and memory sticks. In the 1990s optical data storage was introduced for storing large amounts of data. Its types are compact discs, digital versatile discs, and Blu-ray discs. CD-R and CD-RW are the types of recordable compact discs. Both types of discs use a spiral track and laser playback to record data, but they are different in some characteristics which are discussed in detail.

What is CD-R?

CD-R is referred to as WORM which means Write Once Read Many. They allow to recording of data once but reading of data is often possible. It has a storage capacity of 700 MB or 80 minutes of audio. Some of them have a larger capacity of 800 MB or 900 MB.

C-R (Compact Disk - Recordable)

CD-R is a blank CD in which data can be stored once. After storing data it is converted into CD-ROM. It is made of a reflective metal disk with layer of green or opaque dye on top. It is cheaper as compared to CD-RW and CD-ROM also. In CD-R data can not be written over. The advantage with CD-R is that any version of CD players either it is older or newer it can easily read CD-R.

Uses

• CD-R is used for recording music playlists.
• Record data for archival or backup purposes.
• Transfer data from one computer to another.

Advantages

1. Impossible to delete recorded data. Data storage is permanent.
2. Cheaper than CD-RW and Hard Disk.
3. Easy to transfer information from one computer to another.

Disadvantages

1. Impossible to update records.
2. Data transfer rate is very slow.
3. When burning of files, if an error occurs the disk will damage and wasted.

What is CD-RW?

CD-RW (Compact Disc-Rewritable) is a digital optical disc storage format introduced in 1997. It can be written, read, erased, and re-written. They have a maximum limit of 1,000 rewrites. It can store up to 700MB of data.

CD-RW (Compact Disk - ReWritable)

CD-RW is a type of CD which can be erased and it can be used multiple times. It is made of a reflective metal disk with a layer of special metal on top. It is the most cheaper CD among all types. It is costly than both CD-R and CD-ROM. The disadvantage with CD-RW is that mostly older versions of CD players can not read it. In some properties it has some similarities too with CD-RW.

Uses

• CD-RWs are used to create backups.
• Ideal for applications that require updating of information.
• Data in it can be erased, re-written.

Advantages

1. It can be re-used many times.
2. Able to update the stored data.
3. When burning of files, if an error occurs the disk can still be recorded on later and not wasted.

Disadvantages

1. More expensive than CD-R and DVD-R.
2. When updating data it may be over written.
3. Data transfer rate is very slow.
4. Older versions of CD players can not read it.

Difference Between CD-R and CD-RW

Conclusion

Both CD-R and CD-RW are used for data storage. They enables data backup, transfer large data. Since they have similar characteristics, they are different in storing data and re-use mechanism and their uses are different in different fields.