Data Structure
Networking
RDBMS
Operating System
Java
MS Excel
iOS
HTML
CSS
Android
Python
C Programming
C++
C#
MongoDB
MySQL
Javascript
PHP
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Mathematics
English
Economics
Psychology
Social Studies
Fashion Studies
Legal Studies
- Selected Reading
- UPSC IAS Exams Notes
- Developer's Best Practices
- Questions and Answers
- Effective Resume Writing
- HR Interview Questions
- Computer Glossary
- Who is Who
Difference between CD-R and CD-RW
Both CD-R and CD-RW are types of optical storage devices. A CD-R (Compact Disk- Recordable) is a write-once read-many device, which means data can be written to it only once but can be read many times. In contrast, a CD-RW (Compact Disk-Rewritable) is a CD that allows data to be written multiple times.
Read this article to learn more about CD-R and CD-RW and how they are different from each other.
What is CD-R?
CD-R stands for Compact Disk-Recordable. CD-R is a type of optical storage disk that is used for storage of digital data. It is a type of WORM disk, i.e. Write Once Read Many disk that means data can be written to it only once but can be read multiple times. Therefore, once it has been written, the data cannot be changed or deleted.
CD-R is mainly used for storing music files, videos, photos, software applications, and many other types of digital data. CD-R is compatible with most standard CD drives. It can hold up to 700 MB of digital data. The data on a CD-R is stored in a spiral track which is read by a laser beam. CD-R has a protective layer as well, which protects it from physical damages, and hence it has a longer lifespan as compared to other types of optical disks.
What is CD-RW?
CD-RW stands for Compact Disk-Rewritable. CD-RW is a type of optical storage disk that is used for storage of digital data. Since CD-RW is a rewritable disk, hence it allows the data to be written multiple times. CD-RW uses a phase-change recording process, which involves heating and cooling of the disk to change its reflective characteristics.
As the data stored in CD-RW can be changed, thus it is mainly used for storing temporary data, software testing records, etc. where data required to be updated regularly. CD-RW is not so compatible with standard CD drives due to their lower reflectivity, but it is more compatible with newer CD drives that has a higher laser power.
Similar to CD-R, CD-RW can also hold up to 700 MB of digital data. CD-RW needs to be formatted before it can be used. On the downside, CD-RW has a shorter lifespan and is more susceptible to the physical damages as compared to CD-R. Therefore, CD-RW is less suitable for long-term archiving or data backup.
Difference between CD-R and CD-RW
The following table highlights all the important differences between CD-R and CD-RW −
Parameter |
CD-R |
CD-RW |
|---|---|---|
Full form |
CD-R stands for Compact Disk- Recordable. |
CD-RW stands for Compact Disk- Rewritable. |
Nature |
CD-R is a WORM (Write Once Read Many) disk, which means data can be written to it only once. |
CD-RW is a rewritable, hence data can be written to it multiple times. |
Writing process |
One time recording process is used to write data on CD-R. |
CD-RW uses a phase-change recording process in which heating and cooling of the disk take place to write and erase the data. |
Compatibility |
CD-R is compatible with most standard CD drives. |
CD-RW is less compatible with standard CD drives, but it is more compatible with newer CD drives. |
Lifespan |
CD-R has a longer lifespan because it is not susceptible to physical damages and accidental overwriting. |
CD-RW has a shorter lifespan as it is more susceptible to physical damages. |
Speed |
Data to the CD-R can be written at a faster speed. |
CD-RW is slower than CD-R. |
Cost |
CD-R is cheaper than CD-RW. |
CD-RW is more expensive than CD-R. |
Erasing of data |
CD-R is a non-erasable disk. |
CD-RW can be erased multiple times. |
Formatting |
CD-R does not need to be formatted before it is used. |
CD-RW needs to be formatted before it is used. |
Reflectivity |
CD-R has a higher reflectivity of laser beam. |
CD-RW has lower reflectivity than CD-R. |
Applications |
CD-R is mainly used for storing permanent data such as long-term archives, music files, videos, software applications, etc. |
CD-RW is used for storing temporary data that needs to be updated frequently. |
Conclusion
Both CD-R and CD-RW are used for the primary purpose of storing digital data. Both types of CD disks have a storage capacity of up to 700 MB of data. But, they are completely different from each other in terms of nature, compatibility, lifespan, cost, uses, etc.
The most significant difference that you should note here is that a CD-R is a write-once read-many disk that is used for permanent data storage, while a CD-RW is a rewritable disk that is used for temporary data storage. Therefore, the selection between CD-R and CD-RW depends upon the specific needs of the user.
5K+ Views
