ok..how would i do that? like i start buying generic dvd's and see which works and which doesnt? what are those region stuff and softwares/codecs blah blah?i couldnt relate to what you guys are talking about i.e. dvd-r and dvd+r threads.. it's like seeing japanese characters for the first time anyway, thanks for your response. i appreciate it
exactly ... that's why i called it "trial & error". LOL ... don't worry, that's how we all learned what media is right for our writers. and with the prices going as low as six or ten pesos per disc. there's no need to feel any regret if you churn out a "coaster".
we already have two excellent threads about it (so you might pick up a brand or two from there that's right for your writer there):
DVD-R Media Quality and CompatibilityDVD+R Media Quality and Compatibilityif you have any more concerns, it helps to use the "search" function too... someone might have already posted a sufficient answer to your query. at this point... google and the search function here will be very useful to you.
dvd-rw's are pretty rare these days... but you can ask your local CD shop if they have any. CD-R king used to sell them at 25pesos a piece... SKC brand (korean). regular dvd-r's and dvd+r's, on the other hand, are plentiful... and cheap.
the "region stuff and softwares/codecs" are mostly for playback and file conversion (e.g. ripping a dvd or converting files into avi's)... but as far as "burning" is concerned, you are pretty much complete if you have burning software like nero or roxio.
just remember to take it one step at a time... address a need you have then check the threads here about it. if you can't find it, post the question, i'm sure everyone will be more than willing to help you out ...
but if your concern right now is purely backing up files... then you're pretty much good to go. you just need go out and buy some dvd recordable media.
good luck.