Computer Basics -
9
Formatting a Memory Card
Before using a card for the first time, it should be formatted.
1. Insert your card in the corresponding slot and click on ‘Start’
> Computer.
2. Right-click on the card icon and select Format.
3. Click on Start in the format window and then click on OK.
Removing a card from an External Card Reader
1. Click on the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the Notification
Area (next to the clock).
2. Click on Safely remove USB Mass Storage Device.
3. Wait until a
Safe to Remove Hardware
message is displayed.
4. Remove the card.
Optical Drives
An optical drive is able to read from (or write to) a variety of CD or DVD discs (e.g. Audio CD, CD-ROM,
DVD).
Read-only (ROM) drives
Some optical drives are only able to read information from a disc, they cannot be used to store new infor-
mation. These drives can be used to watch films, install programs and read data such as photos or music.
Recordable (R) or Re-Writable (RW) Drives
In addition to reading data from compatible discs, the optical drive(s) provided with your computer may be
able to write (or 'burn') information to appropriate discs. You can use these drives to duplicate your CDs,
create your own music compilations, digital photo albums or keep a safe copy of your valuable data. Disc
recording software must be used to write information to recordable discs.
Note: Before copying a CD, make sure that its content is not protected by Trademarks and Copyrights,
and that you are authorised to replicate it. In most countries you are allowed to make an archival backup
of software or copy music for your own personal use.
Disc Compatibility for Recordable Drives
• DVD±RW Writer: DVD±RW drives (or DVD Dual drives) can write to recordable CDs, recordable DVDs
('-' or '+').
• Double-Layer DVD-RW Writer: Double-Layer DVD-RW drives (or DVD+R9 DL drives) can write to
recordable CDs and single- or double-layer recordable DVDs.
• Blu-ray Combo Drive: Blu-ray Combo drives can write to recordable CDs, all 'standard' recordable DVDs
(but not 'HD' DVDs) and may read from (but not write to) Blu-ray discs.
• Blu-ray Writer: Blu-ray drives can write to recordable CDs, all 'standard' recordable DVDs and recordable
Blu-ray discs.
Note: Discs and devices that use the HD DVD standard may not be used with Blu-ray devices.
Precautions
✓
If a program needs a disc, insert the disc into the drive before you start the program.
✓
Do not force a disc into the drive; make sure the disc is correctly inserted, then close the disc tray.
✓
Do not eject the disc without first closing the program that is using the disc. This could potentially cause
your computer to stop responding. Should this happen, restart your computer by using the
Windows Task
Manager
.
✓
If the tray does not eject, you may try to open it manually:
