RECOVER DATA FROM DAMAGED OPTICAL MEDIA
Most of us know that recovering deleted or lost files from a hard disk drive requires a good disk utility. But did you know that disk utility probably doesn't work on data that's lost on CDs and DVDs? In fact, many of you probably don't realize you can lose data on optical media in the first place. We consider optical media to be bullet-proof, the ideal way to archive data you wish to preserve forever (or at least one hundred years as claimed by most manufacturers). But these mirrored disks are subject to damage such as scratches and other imperfections that can impair the media. Plus, recent studies have shown that recordable CDs may have a shorter shelf life than their original claims. Some independent researchers suggest that the dyes used in certain brands of CD-R disks may oxidize and darken in just a few short years thus rendering them useless.
Data that is stored on optical media is indexed using a very different method than computer data stored on magnetic media such as hard and floppy disks. The latter uses indexing methods such as File Allocation Tables (FAT) and the like. Optical media doesn't which means that those hard disk recovery utilities just won't work on your CD and DVD collection. Fortunately, one company makes some unique utility products designed to recover lost data on damaged optical media.
CD/DVD Diagnostic ($49.95) from Arrowkey (www.arrowkey.com) is one such product from this company that will recover any files from optical media and back them up to your hard disk drive. According to Arrowkey, CD/DVD Diagnostic will find and restore this information regardless of the type of data, be it video, pictures or computer data. According to Arrowkey, it will locate and recover these files no matter what kind of data files they are. When looking at the supported disks, the list is impressive and includes all PC and Macintosh CDs and DVDs. I suggest you visit the Arrowkey web site to see all of the supported formats and disk types.
Another CD product worth mentioning from Arrowkey is their AccuBurn-R ($41.99) program. How many times have you tried to burn a CD only to find yourself the proud owner of a coaster? So many things can interfere with the creation of a CD such as buffer underruns, or something as simple as a bad spot on the disk itself. With AccuBurn-R, Arrowkey actually guarantees that every CD you burn will be functional. The way they can make this claim is that AccuBurn-R first checks its written data for accuracy. If any errors are detected due to foreign objects, media defects, dirt, scratches or any other factors that cause recording problems, they are automatically corrected and then the data is burned again onto another portion of the recordable CD. And if you already use another product such as those offered by Roxio, Nero, DLA and others to create recordable CDs, you can still use AccuBurn-R in conjunction with them to insure a perfect burn. Again, I strongly suggest you visit the Arrowkey web site and see the specifications of these products for yourself.
We all use optical media and it's amazing to me how we take it for granted that these kinds of media are somehow indestructible. They're not. So when it comes to pass that one of your precious disks becomes unreadable, it will be a good thing to have one or all of the Arrowkey products in your arsenal of utility software products.
A Squirt in the right direction
 Looking for a cute little stocking stuffer for the techie in your life? Check out a new line of tiny tools from Leatherman. I know what you're thinking. Leatherman makes those great multifunctional tools that you see clipped on the belts of construction contractors, electricians, plumbers and other members of the hard-hat set. But please let's not be stereotypical and keep an open mind. The fact is that Leatherman just came out with a new addition to their Squirt line of little (2.2 inches in length when closed) multifunction tools that clip onto a keychain. And while these Leathermans are the smallest the company makes, they have all of the quality and rugged construction found within the bigger models. The Squirt I tried out opens with a fluid yet positive sounding click confirming I have a precision instrument hanging on my keychain.
The EL model is their electronic version that includes five different size wire strippers amongst its 14 essential tools. It also has electrical wire cutters, spring action pliers, a variety of small screwdrivers, a straight knife, wood/metal file, tweezers, and a bottle opener for when your computer has been repaired and it's Miller time. Also check out the P4 and S4 Squirts as they maintain the Lilliputian size but offer a different assortment of tools. After deciding on the model that best suits your needs, all you'll have to do is pick from a variety of colors they come in.
The Squirt EL is available exclusively at Radio Shack. The other Squirt models are available at a variety of Leatherman dealers, all of which you can locate at the Leatherman web site.
www.leatherman.com |
