Selecting the right disc, CD-R discs | HP CQ40-717TX, CQ41-206AU

Selecting the right disc

An optical drive supports optical discs (CDs, DVDs, and BDs). CDs, used to store digital data, are also used for commercial audio recordings and are convenient for your personal storage needs. DVDs and BDs are used primarily for movies, software, and data backup purposes. DVDs are the same form factor as CDs but have 6 to 7 times the storage capacity.

NOTE: The optical drive on your computer may not support all the types of optical discs discussed in this section.

CD-R discs

Use CD-R (write-once) discs to create permanent archives and to share files with virtually anyone. Typical uses include the following:

●Distributing large presentations

●Sharing scanned and digital photos, video clips, and written data

●Making your own music CDs

●Keeping permanent archives of computer files and scanned home records

●Offloading files from your hard drive to free up disk space

After data is recorded, it cannot be erased or written over.

CD-RW discs

Use a CD-RW disc (a rewritable version of a CD) to store large projects that must be updated frequently. Typical uses include the following:

●Developing and maintaining large documents and project files

●Transporting work files

●Making weekly backups of hard drive files

●Updating photos, video, audio, and data continuously

DVD±R discs

Use blank DVD±R discs to permanently store large amounts of information. After data is recorded, it cannot be erased or written over.

DVD±RW discs

Use DVD±RW discs if you want to be able to erase or write over data that you saved earlier. This type of disc is ideal for testing audio or video recordings before you burn them to a CD or DVD that cannot be changed.

4	Chapter 2 Using an optical drive

CQ40-633TU, CQ40-626AU, CQ40-606AU, CQ40-612BR, CQ41-209AX specifications

The HP CQ41 series, including models CQ41-214AU, CQ41-215AU, CQ41-207AX, CQ41-222AU, and CQ41-218AX, are well-regarded laptops that cater to users looking for reliability and functionality. These laptops are designed with a focus on everyday computing demands, offering a balanced combination of performance, portability, and affordability.

At the core of these models is the AMD processor architecture, featuring options such as the AMD Athlon II and AMD Fusion APUs. These processors are known for their efficiency, providing a satisfactory experience for both general computing tasks and multimedia consumption. The graphics performance is enhanced by integrated AMD Radeon graphics, allowing users to enjoy casual gaming and video playback without the need for a dedicated graphics card.

The display on the CQ41 series is typically a 14-inch diagonal High-Definition (HD) screen, supporting a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels. This size strikes a balance between portability and usability, making it ideal for both students and professionals. The display is equipped with LED-backlighting, which offers improved brightness and energy efficiency.

In terms of memory and storage, these models generally come with 2GB to 4GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking capabilities for day-to-day applications such as web browsing, word processing, and media playback. The storage options vary, with traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDD) offering capacities from 320GB onward, providing ample space for documents, photos, and software.

Another key feature of the CQ41 series is its connectivity options. These laptops include multiple USB ports, HDMI output, and an SD card reader, facilitating easy connections to peripherals and external displays. The inclusion of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support ensures that users can stay connected wirelessly, whether at home or on the go.

The battery life of the CQ41 series is commendable, providing several hours of usage on a single charge, which is ideal for users who require mobility. Additionally, the keyboard is designed to be comfortable and user-friendly, making it suitable for extended typing sessions.

Overall, the HP CQ41-214AU, CQ41-215AU, CQ41-207AX, CQ41-222AU, and CQ41-218AX models combine functional design with practical features, making them reliable choices for budget-conscious consumers needing dependable everyday laptops.