storage of photos

[jayemcee]

I'm sorry, I am back, asking more questions. I have my photos backed up on CD-R. When I take more photos, and store them within a folder in 'my pictures' ( also in Picasa 2) am I right in thinking that I cannot add them to the backup CD? I would have to back everything up again. If, however, I backed them up on a CD-RW,could I then add new photos to the backup CD?
Having read some previous comments on memory sticks,can I assume that CD is the best way to "backup"?

[Buenchico]

CD-R disks are more reliable for archiving files (including pictures) than CD-RW disks. This is because the surface film of CD-RW disks, used to record the data, is not as stable as the surface of CD-R disks. (If you want to read the technical stuff, see here:
http://www.clir.org/PUBS/reports/pub121/sec4.h tml )

When you burn files to a CD-R disks, you can add more files (and folders) at a later date simply by ensuring that you use the option to create a 'multisession' disk. The contents of a multi-session disk can always be accessed from your own PC (and, these days, generally from most other PCs as well). You might find that you can't access the pictures if you insert the disk into a DVD player (of a type which normally recognises picture files) but, for back-up purposes, you don't require this facility anyway. (If you want to make a CD-R disk accessible to other devices you should 'finalise' it. Once you've done so, you won't be able to add further files or folders).

Chris

[markysngc]

Yes for photos which you want to keep long term cdr's are a better backup than memory sticks

assuming you have more than 800mb memory on your camera card (the size of a cd) This is how I do this.

If you take a bunch of pictures on your camera transfer them to a folder on your computer but leave them on the camera memory as well, this means you have a backup of them (they are on your computer and on the camera still) so the chances of total loss are slim. carry on doing this untill you have enough in that folder to pretty much fill a cd, once you do write the CD (and check it) then delete the photos from the camera as you now have them on computer and on CD so still got a backup. now you have a empty camera to start process all over again.

Hope that makes sense, sure other people will suggest other ways but the important thing about backing up is you have the files in at least two places so if one fails you don't lose them

[jayemcee]

Thank you both,Buenchico and markysngc, I guess 100 years is more than enough for me. As I recall when I make a CD from Picasa 2 there are no options such as 'multisession'. However with CD-R as cheap as they are it is no hardship to back everything up every couple of months. Especially if I 'copy' them from the camera, rather than 'cut' them.
I have a copy of Windows XP for Dummies, is there any publication that you know of which relates more specifically to handling photos?

[Buenchico]

I can't think of a book which would specifically help you but it would be useful if you learnt to burn files and folders to a CD without using Picasa. Instructions will be in the book you've already got or you can find them here:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup /expert/bridgman_august13.mspx

Programs like Picasa don't store pictures within the actual program itself. The files exist in a folder on your hard drive (e.g. in 'My Pictures' or in a folder you've created yourself). Picasa simply accesses the files in that folder. (If you're not sure where your pictures are stored, run a search for *.jpg, which will show you where they are).

Once you know where your pictures are stored you can organise them (without recourse to Picasa) into folders such as 'Holiday 2008', 'Fred's Family', etc). You can then burn those folders directly onto a CD, using XP's burning software, which automatically defaults to creating a multi-session disk.

Chris

PS: Picasa is a good program but, for greater flexibility in manipulating your images, I recommend this free download:
http://www.freeserifsoftware.com/software/Phot oPlus/key_features.asp

[jayemcee]

Thank you Buenchico, I have taken a copy of the article on burning CDs and will read it properly before I try taking from 'my pictures'. I have also noted the freeserifsoftware address.
Thank you for your time and effort in helping me to understand a little more .

[Postdog]

Don't know anything about picassa - think I tried it once and didn't like the way it took over my images - but can I suggest (if possible) you back up using online storage (eg kodak - free) and then, when you have enough for a CD, write the CD.