You have advised against the use of "packet-writing" software when putting data on to CD or DVD. Do you have to wait to collect enough data for a full DVD, or have I missed something? Mike Trotter
For archival storage, you should use the most secure and reliable method, which is to write a whole CD or DVD at once. You can still use packet-writing software (which treats an optical disc like a floppy) for short-term storage and it's better than no backup. However, if you buy them by the hundred, good quality CD-R discs cost 10p each by mail order, or 20p each on the high street. The cost of a month's backup discs is not much more than a London bus ride. How much would it cost if you were to lose one day's data?
