CD ROM And CD Writer

Objectives :

• Identify the types of CDs

• Identify the types of CD drives

• Examine the structure of the CD drive

• Install the CD drive

• Align the CD drive

• Work with CD Writing software

• Troubleshoot the CD drive

Features of Compact Disc :

Removable storage media

Cheap and reliable media

Round disc with a hole in center

Stores more data than the floppy disk

Basic layers are :

polycarbonate plastic - Hard transparent plastic layer of the disc

aluminum - Reflects the laser beam from the CD drive like a mirror that reflects light

acrylic - Protects the CD layers

label - Enables you to name the CD for identification

Types of CDs :

Used to store music

Song quality does not decrease, because there is no friction between the CD player and the Audio CD.

Songs recorded on audio CD have a better quality

Longer shelf life

Stores about 74 minutes of music

Used to store data for distributing software and other large files

Files stored on CD-ROM can only be read

Data once written cannot be erased

Useful to backup data

Used to create music CDs which can be played on music systems

Has a special layer between polycarbonate plastic layer and reflective aluminum layer and made up of photosynthetic

Enables to rewrite data to CD-RW disc

Data can be erased from CD-RW disc

Useful when storing files that require update regularly

Use a special phase change compound layer that makes it possible to rewrite data

Types of CD Drives :

Read data from CD-ROM disc and Audio CD

Used to install software and play music from a Audio CD

Speed is specified using numbers followed by X

Useful for backing up data that must not be modified

Can write using a single or multiple sessions

Speed of the CD-R drive is specified using two numbers

Enables to read, write and rewrite data

Useful to transfer data from one system to another

Speed specified using three numbers e.g. 48X-12X-52X

Components of the CD Drive :

CD drive consists of the following parts :

• Optical head

• Head actuator

• Spindle motor

• Connector

• Jumpers

• Load Mechanism

• Consists of a read laser and optical sensor

• Delicate and expensive part

• High precision part

• CD writer has two lasers for reading and writing data and the strength of write laser is very strong

• Moves optical head forward and backward by the help of a stepper motor

• Enables to access all parts of the CD

• Catches and spins CD when inserted in CD drive

• Reduces the spinning speed as the head actuator moves from the center outward

• Connect CD drive to system motherboard

• Located at the back of the CD drive

• CD Drive uses the 40 pin connector

• Switches on hardware

• Enables to change hardware settings

• Located at back of CD drive

• Used to set CD-ROM drive as master or slave

• Specifies method to load CD in CD drive

• Method for loading – tray

• Eject button to opens and closes CD drive tray

• Caddy – System to load CD just as floppy disk is inserted in FDD

Troubleshooting the CD Drive :

Solve problems that arise due to improper functioning of CD drive

Troubleshooting techniques for CD drive can solve problems for CD Writer

Different types of problems that may occur are :

• Unable to detect the CD Drive

• CD Drive is unable to read the CD

• Create a Bootable CD

• Change the Boot Sequence