DataCDs

DataCDs are compact discs designed for storing digital data rather than audio. They come in read-only formats (CD-ROM) and writeable formats (CD-R, CD-RW), and were widely used for software distribution, document storage, and backups before USB drives and cloud storage became common.

A typical data CD holds about 650–700 MB of data. The standard CD format uses a red laser with a wavelength around 780 nm. Data is organized using file systems such as ISO 9660, often with Joliet or Rock Ridge extensions to support longer filenames; newer discs may use UDF to improve cross-platform compatibility and support for larger files. CD-R discs are write-once, while CD-RW discs allow erasing and rewriting several times, with performance and compatibility varying by dye technology and drive.

Compatibility and use cases: DataCDs are widely supported by optical drives on Windows, macOS, and Linux. They have been used for software distribution, document archives, backups, and offline data transfer. Because data can be accessed directly from the disc, they offer a portable, non-volative medium with a stable physical format when properly stored.

Limitations and archival considerations: Data CDs have limited capacity compared with modern drives and solid-state media. They are susceptible to scratches, chemical degradation, and environmental factors that can affect readability over time. Although inexpensive and widely compatible, they are increasingly supplanted by USB flash drives, external hard drives, and cloud storage for long-term archival and frequent data updates; for archival purposes, multiple copies and careful storage are recommended.

See also

- CD-ROM

- CD-R/CD-RW

- ISO 9660

- UDF