I just got a DVD player so I've been checking out the DVD newsgroup and Websites, and one topic that is disturbing considering the cost of DVD's is 'DVD Rot'. There seem to be two different camps on this topic, one is that it doesn't exist, the other obviously is that it does, and that it might be the result of manufacturing defects. I've been able to find out media lifespans for several types of media, for CD's: CD-R ~10 years CD-ROM ~100 years DVD ??? I wish I knew, anyone have any idea? Of course times listed are for ideal storage conditions, etc. The reason for the much shorter lifespan of CD-R disks apparently has something to do with dye that they use in making them. In any case, I've got to wonder how the cold of space would effect a CD-ROM or a DVD. My guess is that it would be to much for it. Low capacity media does seem to be the best method of maintaining 'high-value' data. Of course there are other factors. The best solution is to copy to a newer form of media about every 5 years. Zane | Zane H. Healy | UNIX Systems Adminstrator | | healyzh(a)aracnet.com (primary) | Linux Enthusiast | | healyzh(a)holonet.net (alternate) | Classic Computer Collector | +----------------------------------+----------------------------+ | Empire of the Petal Throne and Traveller Role Playing, | | and Zane's Computer Museum. | | http://www.dragonfire.net/~healyzh/ |