What Is DVD-ROM and the Differences Between It and DVD-RAM

What Is DVD-ROM

What is DVD-ROM? It is the abbreviation of digital versatile disc read-only memory. DVD-ROM is one of the various types of DVD. Blank DVDs are usually DVD-R or DVD+R, with a readable and writable format. + R or -R refers to the format standard and is a rewritable or recordable DVD.

It is a read-only digital versatile disc (DVD) usually used to store large software applications. It is similar to CD-ROM, but with a larger capacity. The DVD-ROM can store approximately 4.38 GB of data. CD-ROM usually stores 650 MB of data. If you want to learn more information about DVD-ROM, you can continue to read this post from MiniTool.

Compared with CD-ROM, DVD-ROM has the same 5-inch diameter and 1.2 millimeters (mm) thickness. However, since DVD​​-ROM uses a shorter wavelength laser and the pits are tighter, the capacity of the disc has increased. The smallest DVD-ROM can store about 7 times as much data as a CD-ROM.

DVD-ROM permanently stores data files that cannot be changed, overwritten, or erased. Personal computers with DVD-ROM or DVD-RAM drives are designed to read DVD-ROM discs. Generally, DVD-ROM discs are not equipped for use with a DVD drive connected to a home theater system or TV. But many DVD-ROM drives can usually read DVD movie discs.

How to Install DVD-ROM

How to install DVD-ROM on your computer? Follow the guide below to do that:

Step 1: Read the manual that came with the computer and make sure to use the DVD-ROM or CD/DVD drive.

Step 2: Shut down your PC and unplug the computer power. Then, open the case.

Step 3: Find the existing CD/DVD drive, then unplug the power cord and data cable.

Step 4: Remove the screws on the CD/DVD drive and then remove the screws from the chassis.

Step 5: If you want to install another optical drive, remove the drive bay cover.

Step 6: Adjust the jumper on the back of the drive. Most drives use “Master” as the default setting.

Step 7: Slide the CD/DVD drive into the drive bay on the computer. Move the cable back, but do not disconnect the cable.

Step 8: Connect the data cable and power cable to the CD/DVD drive.

• For IDE drives, align pin 1 (red edge) with the connector on the CD/DVD drive. Then connect the 4-pin power connector to the drive.
• For SATA drives, align the notches with the connectors on the drive. Then connect the SATA power connector (long) to the drive.
• If there is insufficient space, connect the cables before fully securing the drive in the bay.

The Differences Between DVD-ROM and DVD-RAM

Digital Versatile Disc Random Access Memory (DVD-RAM) and Digital Versatile Disc Read-Only Memory (DVD-ROM) are two types of data storage technologies that involve encoding data onto a disc by laser. Generally, DVD-RAM is used to store data, and DVD-ROM is used for movies and supplementary music presentations.

The DVD-RAM is read and write, while the DVD-ROM is read-only. This means that once the data is encoded, the disc is in a fixed state and cannot be changed. This makes it ideal for storing data that does not need to be rewritten or changed like a movie. Besides, it can be read on almost any type of machine, from computers to traditional DVD players. This means that users can access the disc more widely.

The data on DVD-RAM can be rewritten many times during its life cycle, so the disc is more suitable for data storage. Generally, since the cost of an optical disc is relatively high, it is contained in a protective case. It is difficult for some systems to read these discs, but their support is almost universal on computer systems produced after 2000.

If properly maintained, it is estimated that DVD RAM can be used for up to 30 years and can be rewritten at least 1,000 times. The writing speed of DVD RAM is quite high, and because of its high-quality disc defect management, it is very accurate. They are commonly used in camcorders and digital cameras to hold large amounts of data that can be transferred to another medium before the disc is overwritten.

If you want a highly flexible backup system that can be rewritten multiple times, DVD-RAM is a good choice. If the stored data can be kept static, DVD-ROM is cheaper and more suitable.

Final Words

To sum up, you have known what DVD-ROM is and how to install it on your Windows. Besides, you can know the differences between it and DVD-RAM.