Hi List, Interesting thread this. Most folk are under the impression that CDs and DVDs will last forever. Not true! Excepting physical damage (scratches etc.), these types of media are only good for approximately 10 years provided they are stored correctly when not in use. Obviously there are different grades of CD and DVD media that break down over different periods but 10 years is a reasonable average. Sunlight is the probably the most damaging and least obvious. Current copyright legislation allows for the registered owner of such material to make a (one) backup copy of the item. It is a good idea to use the backup copy and store the original in its case, out of direct sunlight and in a cool place (not a refrigerator). There are any number of insulated and light-proof storage cases on the market that can store 100's of CDs and/or DVDs that are very cheap. Once the backup copy starts to break down it can then be destroyed and another backup copy duplicated from the original. This does not contravene copyright legislation provided the backup copy is not sold, given or loaned to a third party. Cheers, John Caling Canberra -----Original Message----- From: aus-nsw-hunter-valley-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:aus-nsw-hunter-valley-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of Kathryn M Rogers Sent: Tuesday, 2 January 2007 6:10 AM To: aus-nsw-hunter-valley@rootsweb.com Subject: Re: [HV] NSW BDM ACCESS EXTENDED FOR TRANSCRIPTION AGENTS Hi Dennis, I bought mine on microfiche many years ago and they are still fine. I don't know whether they are still available on fiche, but of course, you need a microfiche reader to read them. My old reader is still chugging along, don't know whether you can still get them either. Cheers, Kathryn Rogers ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dennis Johnstone" <dennis@donjon1.demon.co.uk> To: <aus-nsw-hunter-valley@rootsweb.com> Sent: Monday, January 01, 2007 8:46 PM Subject: [HV] NSW BDM ACCESS EXTENDED FOR TRANSCRIPTION AGENTS > It's also worth remembering that the NSW Pioneer Index 1788-1918 > (Federation Series 1889-1918) on CD-ROM includes NSW Births up to > and including 1918. I've had mine for many years and it's been > extremely useful having births up to 1918. > > Unfortunately, my CD is now breaking down (there's something wrong > with aluminium layer) and can't be read, so I'll have to get a new CD > soon. > > Dennis > > > Dennis Johnstone > Email: dennis@donjon1.demon.co.uk > Blog: http://stonehead.wordpress.com > > > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to AUS-NSW-HUNTER-VALLEY-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message > ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to AUS-NSW-HUNTER-VALLEY-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message