Excellent article: http://www.practicalpc.co.uk/computing/storage/cdrlifespan.htm I'm still not 100% convinced that the best solution is not to buy archival (no sulphites) paper and print it all out. Maynard

Maynard, a very timely topic (it's also being discussed at VA-Roots). I've already had some cheap CDs I burned a couple of years ago go bad on me. Indeed, I have learned - as the article points out - that not all CDs are created equally. The cheap ones may not last as long as 2 years (despite what the know-nothing clerk in the store said). I've no experience with the HiSpace disks (haven't even seen them anywhere I shop), but I've received good reports on Imation (also mentioned in the article), and with Japanese brands (Fuji, Sony, etc.). (I went through a stack of Imation and Fuji disks about three years ago, and haven't had a problem with any of them - yet.) Memorex, in my experience, are the worst for longevity. Another thing I've learned is that commercially made disks use an entirely different process to "burn" them than the home computer CD (and DVD) writers, and they can be expected to last longer. Also discussed on the VA-Roots list is magnetic tape storage. Unfortunately, I lost a complete archive of magnetic tape data when I upgraded my operating system (the tape reader/writer would no longer work), and I know that tape has a definite shelf storage life problem unless the tapes are kept in very rigidly controlled temperature/humidity conditions. So... Bottom line... I'm 100% convinced that the best storage medium for the average user with everyday facilities is still good old paper. Acid-free paper and acid-free ink (in the case of ink jet printers) are essential for long storage life for these. Nothing's permanent (yet), and most store clerks do not know what they are talking about when it comes to discussing longevity of media. Lou Poole -----Original Message----- From: John M. Poythress [mailto:brerfox@bellsouth.net] Sent: Saturday, January 14, 2006 10:08 AM To: POYTHRESS-L@rootsweb.com Subject: CD Longevity Excellent article: http://www.practicalpc.co.uk/computing/storage/cdrlifespan.htm I'm still not 100% convinced that the best solution is not to buy archival (no sulphites) paper and print it all out. Maynard ==== POYTHRESS Mailing List ==== Poythress Genealogy Research Web www.poythress.net