After years of predictions to the contrary, the DVD-ROM drive still hasn't replaced the CD-ROM drive. Nevertheless, the DVD-ROM drive is an increasingly common peripheral in new PCs.
DVD-ROMs deliver considerably higher-quality full-motion video than CD-ROMs do, propelling games to a new level of realism. They also allow content-rich entertainment and educational software to fit on fewer discs than they would on CD-ROMs. The Complete National Geographic, for example, comes either as a set of 30 CD-ROMs or 4 DVD-ROMs. And the popular game Riven comes on five CD-ROMs or a single DVD-ROM.
Add-in third-generation DVD-ROM kits, such as the Creative Labs PC-DVD Encore 6X Dxr3 shown here, give you the latest in DVD-ROM performance and let you read standard CD-ROMs. Those that include a PCI MPEG-2 decoder board (like the Encore kit) also allow you to watch DVD movies on your PC's monitor or on a television. Here's how to install a third-generation DVD-ROM kit that contains a drive using an IDE interface (the most common type of interface).
- Page 1 of 7
- Next ยป
Top Selling Laptops
Full Windows 7 coverage
Featured APC Accessories
-
APC Back-UPS ES
Safeguards your equipment from damaging surges and spikes that travel along your utility & data lines.
- APC SurgeArrest Performance Highest level of protection for your professional computers, electronics and connected devices, as well as provides surge protection.
Deal Breakers
Special Offers for PC World Users
-
Dell Windows 7 Deals
Win7 Weekend Sale at dell.com!
Laptops starting at $499 after Instant Savings
Focus on Personal Productivitysponsored by Microsoft
- Personal Finance 2.0 These free and fee-based Web services not only aggregate data from your online bank accounts, they give you tools for managing your money.
- High-Tech Travel Tips Plenty of stories provide advice for elite mobile professionals. But what about you, the unproductive traveler?
People who read this also read:
- Dell Shopping Center Check out great deals from Dell!
Cameras
Camcorders
Cell Phones
Components
Desktops
HDTV
Home Theater
GPS
Laptops
Monitors
MP3 Players
Networking &
Printers
Storage




