Learning the Basics

107

Using the optical drive

HINT: Backing up all the files on your hard disk may take a considerable amount of time and multiple CDs/DVDs. You may prefer to use a high-capacity backup system, such as an external hard drive.

Small files can be backed up on diskettes if an optional external diskette drive is available.

Restoring your work

To restore information from your backup media to your hard disk, use the Restore page in the backup program. Look in the online Help or your operating system documentation for information on restoring files.

TECHNICAL NOTE: When restoring files, the backup program prompts you if you try to overwrite a file that already exists on the hard disk. Make sure the backup version is the one you want before overwriting the existing file.

Using the optical drive

Optical storage has become the preferred medium for software, music, and video. Digital versatile discs (DVDs) provide a significant increase in data storage and support features that are not available on any other video platform. These features include wide-screen movies, multiple language tracks, digital surround sound, multiple camera angles, and interactive menus.

For these reasons, your computer may come with an optical drive.