41. What is the shelf-life of a CD-ROM?

  If a CD-ROM is not manufactured properly, the lifetime can be very

  short, perhaps only a few years.  This can happen if the edge of the

  disc is not properly sealed, and oxygen reaches the metal surface.



  If the disc is manufactured properly, it will last a very long time.

  Most CD-ROMs should last for more than a human lifetime.



  Philips has proposed new standards for testing CD-ROMs that are expected

  to result in discs that will enjoy a life span of more than a thousand

  years.  For more information see Fox, Barry "CD Makers Perform in Unison

  to Stop the Rot" New Scientist 134(1815) (April 4, 1992):19.



  The laser used in a CD-ROM drive is very low power, and does not

  harm the disc in any way.  Reading the disc will not shorten

  the lifetime.

			Copyright ©1995 by ISOMEDIA, Inc. For Information, contact Ken Cheney