5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Optical Disk | Drawbacks & Benefits of Optical Disk

What is Optical Disk ?

A Optical disk is a kind of storage device that stores data permanent. For storing data optical disk uses LASER technology. A dark pit is burnt on the surface of the disk using laser beams. Similarly LASER technology is used to read the data as well. 

What are the types of Optical Disks ?

 

Digital Versatile Disk (DVD), Compact Disk (CD) and Blu-ray disk are the 3 most popular form of Optical disks, al though there are also WORM disks and Rewritable Optical disks. Depending on the model, the range of storage capacity can vary. 

 

With the trend of downloading and streaming content online from the internet, the use of optical disks are greatly reduced affecting its popularity. Similar to other storage mediums, Optical disks too posses certain advantages and disadvantages. For knowing whether the users can be benefited by using them, the user needs to know both pros and cons. 

 

In this article, I will be concentrating on 5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Optical Disk | Drawbacks & Benefits of Optical Disk. Through this post, you will know the pros and cons of using Optical disks. 

 

Let's get started,

 

 

Advantages of Optical Disk

 

1. Cost

 

The manufacturing costs are significantly lower in Optical disks since only aluminium foils and plastics are involved in the production. Hence, the users can be benefited from the cost of purchasing optical disks in bulk. And many computers include Optical Disk Drive from its respective manufacturer so that the users don't need to purchase them separate.

 

 

2. Durability

 

Optical disks are more durable than both Volatile and Non-Volatile memories. It is not subjected to wear and no any power failures can cause data losses. Therefore, it should last long for many years. However it is not completely protected against scratching, heat and other forms of physical damages.

 

 

3. Simplicity

 

The process of backup is made much easier using Optical disks. Whatever the data that needs to be burnt should be placed inside the drive icon. And then with just clicking on '' Burn Disk '' the users can backup the data.

 

 

4. Portability

 

Al though Optical disks are fairly large enough, they are still portable. They can be placed inside bags and other small objects so that it can be transported to various places and used in different computers and devices.

 

 

5. Stability

 

Optical disks offer very high level of Stability. This is because unlike magnetic disks, it is not vulnerable to electromagnetic fields and other forms of environmental influences.

 

Disadvantages of Optical Disk 

 

1. Security

 

When the Optical disks are used for backup purposes, it should be kept safe from the hands of thieves. Due to its size, the optical disks are more prone to loss and theft.

 

 

2. Capacity

 

Optical disks cost more per GB/TB than any other forms of storage drives. And it too have very little storage capacity compared to them. Unless it is a Blu-ray disk, the maximum storage the Optical disks can offer is 4.7GB.

 

 

3. Reliability

 

Unlike flash drives, Optical disks are not protected by any plastic casings. Therefore, they are prone to scratching which makes the disk unreadable. The data on it cannot be recovered anymore.

 

 

4. Duplication

 

Making a duplicate copy using a optical disk is not easier as it seems on a USB flash drive. For the process of burning there should be a separate software and hardware. Even though there are many third party programs for this purpose, latest versions of windows comes equipped with a writing software.

 

 

5. User Friendliness

 

Al though it takes very low cost to manufacture Optical disks, it is actually not in the case of backup. Networks and Online backups require some significant amounts for the services. Additionally, Optical drives are known to posses high failure rates. Therefore, it needs a replacement frequently if is under heavy use.