I am faced constantly with computer related questions.  Not just in my spare time, but on line as well.

Here are some little known facts for everyone considering CD and DVD storage.

1) Can I burn anything to a CD?

    Yes.  you can burn movies to a cd, but the storage capacity is only between 40megabytes (mb) to about 800mb.  If your movie is larger than than, you will need a dvd disc to write too.

2) Once the CD is burned to it will last for years, right!

   Wrong.  The longevity of the cd, even if properly cared for, is about 3 years.  Same as your harddrive, your CDs and DVDs.  The care and useage whether they are cared for properly.  The average life span of a CD or a DVD is between 3 and 5 years.  So if you burn your family's pictures to cd or DVD for care and storage.  Plan on in the near future to re-burn the disc and make a copy of it.  Don't make several copies up front, then throw one out a few years later and save the others, sorry it doesn't work that way.

    But, I would as a person, save the original pictures and have extra negatives made.  And don't be running to your local Walgreens or Wal-Mart stores and expect them to have all the answers.  Alot of us in this field, read study and spent alot of time in the Computer Industry to gain this knowledge.  Nothing irritates us more, than listening to someone say, well the guy or woman at Wal-Mart or Walgreens or Best Buy says this.  Guess what-they are wrong.  They say that, because they work in a Department store, and they are vieing for your repeated business.  Alot of us in theis industry want to do it right the first time, we tell you these small known facts, to help you out and help you make the best decision. 

    So get the CD-RW/DVD-RW you need.  Scan and clean up your family albums, make additional negatives.  Burn your discs.  But, plan on re-burning in 2-1/2 to 3 years.

   Do not leave your discs in the extreme cold, heat or in a humid area, as these elements will warp the discs.  Even we in the industry have little compassion for those people we tell constantly, get the cd's out of your car and out of the visors if they are warped and cannot play.  Sorry you were told.